THE LAW OR STANDING ORDERS OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY. 1621. A Table Containing the several Heads from whence all the Orders in this Book are Drawn. Anno Dom. 1621. A. Armourer Pag. 49 Auditors in the Court of Committees 68 Auditors General 69 Accomptants General 66 Audit of Accounts. 70 B. Boatswain General 25 Boatswaines of Ships 46 Beadle of the Company 64 Boatmaker. 34 C. COurts 1 Clerk of the Yard 20 Clerk of the Cordage 27 Clerk of the Iron works 29 Clerk of the Slaughter-house. 35 Cooper 34 Surgeons of Ships 48 Committees of the Yard 41 Committees of the Warehouse. 58 Clerks of the Warehouses 57 Carpenters in Ships 49 Cooks 49 Committees General 9 Committees for Commissions. Pag. 49 Committees for Entertaining of Mariners 42 Clerk of the stores in London. 16 Chirurgeon General 32 Committees for Provisions of Victuals, Stores, and Provisions to the Ships 44 Committees which take Account of old Provisions and Stores 39 Committees to Appraise the Ships which return home 40 Committees which discharge the Companies Ships 56 Clerk of the Jumprest money 43 Carver. 34 D. DEputy. 5 E. ELection of Officers. 11 F. FActories in the Indieses 50 Freedoms. 71 G. GVnner Pag. 49 Governor 4 Generality 6 Gratifications 63 Guardians to Recover old stores returned in the Ships. 38 H. Husband. 14 I. IOyner. 34 K. KEeper of the Stores in the Downs. 34 L. Laws or Orders. 74 M. MEasurer of Timber 19 Mast-maker 34 Masters and their Mates. 45 Method of the general Accounts. 75 P. Pilot 23 Purveyors for Timber and Planks 17 Painter 34 Purcer General 25 Porter of the Lodge 26 Purcers and their Mates 46 Penalties 72 Porter of the Companies House in London. Pag. 65 Q. QVarter Masters. 46 R, REmembrancer. 13 S. SHipwrights 22 servers of Iron works to the building of the Ships. 30 Smith 30 Steward 49 Secretary 12 Solicitor in the Law 60 Solicitors for Bills of Debt 60 Sales of Merchandise. 59 T. TReasurer 8 Trade 64 Taphouse. 31 V. VOuchers of Accounts. 79 W. WOrkmen in the Yards. 37 Watchmen in the Yard 36 Wages 61 Warrants. 17 LAW OR STANDING ORDERS, MADE AND ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF MERCHANTS OF LONDON TRADING TO THE EAST INDIESES, For the better Governing of the Affairs and actions of the said Company here in ENGLAND residing. Anno Dom. 1621. Courts. I. THERE shall be general Courts summoned, and kept every year by the Governor or his Deputy on the First day of the month of july, or on all the five days next following if need shall require, for the Election of a Governor, a Deputy, Treasurers, and Committees, according to his Majesty's Letters Patents. II. Also there shall be a general Court summoned by the Governor or his Deputy to be kept yearly on the last Tuesday in the Month of May, in which Court the Laws or standing Orders of the Company shall be publicly read, if it be required. And then if there be occasion, or that inquiry be made, the Auditors in the Court of Committees shall satisfy the Company concerning the performance of their said Laws or Orders. III. The Governor or his Deputy upon the Arrival of the Companies Ships out of the Jndyes, or any other needful occasions, shall summon a general Court, and there deliver and debate the Affairs of the Company so far as shall be found convenient. FOUR The Governor or his Deputy and the Committees shall keep their ordinary Courts, and as many other extraordinary Courts and private meetings, as shall be needful for the speedy dispatch, and ordering of the Companies affairs. V. It is ordered, that upon receipt of public Letters from the Indieses, there shall be Courts summoned and continued daily, by the Governor or his Deputy and Committees, until all the said Letters be openly read by the Secretary, or by any other whom the Court shall appoint. VI All Courts shall begin at Eight a clock in the Morning, and Two a clock in the afternoon, and shall dissolve at the rising of the Governor or of the Deputy in his absence. VII. It shall not be accounted a Court of Committees except (besides the Governor or his Deputy) there be also present, thirteen Committees at the least, neither shall it be lawful for a lesser number to choose a Commander, Factor or Officer, or to displace any of them, or to make their wages, or to gratify and reward any man, or to conclude any other important matter in the affairs of the Company. VIII. In debating the Affairs of the Company in a Court of Committees, where the matter is brought to the question, of the Governor, Deputy and Committees only (and no other persons whatsoever) shall have their voices, and the resolution of the greater number, shall stand for an order. IX. In the first Court of Committees after every Quarter day, the Treasurers shall be entreated to signify in writing what Sums of money the Company are indebted at Interest. And the Auditors shall be then called also to testify the true and fair passage of the business, in the behalf of the Company. X. At the first or second Court of Committees next after their Election, yearly the particular employments of the said Committees for the buying of several provisions and other duties shall be assigned them by the Court. XI. It shall not be lawful for the Governor, Deputy, Treasurers, or any of the Committees to make a Motion, or speak in Court in the behalf and for the entertainment of any, who hath been justly condemned as a Malefactor or wrong doer to the Company, except they do show a manifest necessity for the employment of such offenders. XII. No man shall be present in Court, whilst himself or his Cause passeth the judgement of the Court. XIII. It shall not be lawful to alter, divert, or break any Order of Court of Committees, where there shall not concur as great a number of Committees as were assembled to the making of such an Order. XIIII. At the first Court of Committees after every Quarter day, the Bills of all Expenses disbursed by the Governor, Deputy, Treasurer, Committees, and all other inferior Officers, concerning Boat-hire, Horse-hire, Postage of Letters, Diet, and all other petty charges in their occasions for the Company, shall be openly read, and after delivered to the Auditors to be examined, approved and Signed, before any Warrant pass for payment of the said Expenses. XV. And to prevent the dangerous disturbance of the general Courts by uncivil intruders, and such as are no members of this Company, It is ordered that the Court of Committees, shall appoint some of the Companies Officers to withstand the entrance of such persons into the said general Courts, for Elections and other Consultations. Governor. XVI. THE Governor's office is to summon and keep the Courts ordinary and extraordinary, in all which, he is to have a casting or double voice. XVII. He is to have a care that the Deputy, Treasurers, Committees, and Officers, do take their Oaths as they are chosen; or being absent, at the next Court they come unto, and that they keep their meetings in all occasions of business for the Company▪ XVIII. The Governor at his pleasure shall sit in any Court or Assembly of Committees, ordinary or extraordinary (except the matter do concern himself) and he is to moderate the Courts, causing gravety and good order to be observed. XIX. He is to have care that all the Orders of the Courts be duly performed, and that the Committees, or other Officers appointed to several businesses do prosecute the same, and give reasonable Account of their doings to the Court. XX. The Governor upon receipt of public Letters from th' Indieses, shall presently assemble a Court of Committees, and in their presence, and by their Assents, shall cause them to be opened, registered, and after read in open Court. And the like shall be performed with all the Letters directed to particular men from the Companies Factors or Commanders in the Indieses. XXI. He is to propound and put all things to question, which the Court shall require (being not contrary to his Majesty's Letters Patents) or the standing Orders of this Company. XXII. The Governor is to attend his Majesty, and the Honourable Lords of his Counsel, upon all occasions requisite, and to be accompanied with such persons as the Court shall appoint. Deputy. XXIII. THE Deputy (in all matters which concern the Company) is to assist the Governor, in whose absence he shall perform his Office, to keep the Courts upon all occasions requisite, and in them he shall have a double voice. XXIIII. He is to have care that the Governor take his Oath openly in Court when he is chosen, or being absent, at the next Court he cometh unto. Generality. XXV. A Special care is to be had in the choice of the Governor, Deputy, Treasurers, and Committees, that they be not only fit men and of the best experience in Marchandizing, but also such as may and will attend the business. XXVI. In matters which concern the Company, all the particular members thereof shall be subject to the general Courts. And if any man refuse to obey the said Court, he shall be both Disfranchized, and further proceeded against as the cause shall require. XXVII. All the particular members of the Company, who have underwritten any Adventures, in the present second joint Stock, or shall hereafter underwrite Adventures in any other Stock or Voyage, shall bring in their just proportions of money unto the Treasurer of the Company, at the times appointed by a general Court, wherein if any man fail, he shall pay the Brokes imposed upon such defaults. And also if upon further warning, and a certain day given him by the said Court, he do neglect to make due payment, the Company have power to Disfranchize him. XXVIII. And whereas it falleth out at the setting forth of any Voyage, or at the return home; that good Sums of money is suddenly to be taken up at Interest for payment of men's wages and other occasions; for which diverse particular men of the Company are entreated by the Court of Committees to give their Bonds; It is therefore ordered and agreed, for the better security and encouragement of such as shall at any time hereafter give their Bonds to this effect, That they shall not only be saved harmless by the general Company, but also for their better indemnity, they shall likewise have several Counter-bonds under the Companies Seal, if they shall so think good. XXIX. It shall not be lawful for any man to transport his Adventures to another man, otherwise then in open Court of Committees, and not before it do appear under the Accomptants hand, that the party transporting is not indebted, or his Adventure engaged unto the Company. XXX. If any man in Office, or otherwise a member of the Company, be found through Bribery or corrupt Reward, directly or indirectly received, to prefer a Suitor, perform a Bargain, make a motion in Court, or do any other thing, tending to the hurt or damage of the Company, he shall forthwith be made uncapable of any Office in the Company, and also be fined as the Court shall see cause. XXXI. Every man speaking in Court shall stand up and be barcheaded, and shall address his speech to the Governor, or Deputy in his absence, as representing the Court: and all private speeches, or directed to particular persons shall be forborn. XXXII. No man in Court shall speak above thrice to one matter, save the Governor and the Deputy, being to moderate the business. XXXIII. No man with his Speech shall interrupt the Speech of another before he have finished, (except the Governor) or in his absence the Deputy see cause to put any to silence, for impertinency or other unseemly speaking, and such persons as do obstinately offend herein, shall be Fined at the discretion of the Court. Treasurers. XXXIIII. THE Office of the Treasurers is to keep the general Cashes of the Company for receipts and payments. In which they shall perform nothing concerning Payments, without sufficient Warrant from the Governor or his Deputy, and four Committees at the least, under their hands to vouch the parcels in the Audite of their Accounts, only the payments to Adventures upon Stock, shall pass by the Warrant of the Auditors in the Courts of Committees. XXXV. They shall give perfect Acquittances to all the Adventurers, or any others who pay in Sums of money to the Company, and they shall likewise for their discharge take plain Receipts for every parcel of money, which they shall pay forth upon Warrants. XXXVI. They are to keep a Cash of purpose for all the Spanish Rials which shall be received and Issued for the Company. XXXVII. They shall at the dispatch of any of the Companies Ships, deliver up unto the Accomptants a true and perfect note of every Chest or bag of Ryals, severally setting down the numbers of Pieces and the just Weight, to the end they may be Inuoiced accordingly unto the Factors in the Indieses. XXXVIII. They are to keep the Bonds and other Bills, for Debts owing to the Company, and to call for the payment of all when they fall due. XXXIX. In the first Court of Committees after every Quarter day, they shall there signify in writing, what Sums of money the Company are indebted at Interest. XL. They are to acquaint the Court of Committees with the names of such Adventurers, or other Debtors, who neglect to bring in their monies at the due times, so that some speedy course may be taken for Recovery of the Debts. XLI. They are to have the Custody of his Majesty's Letters Patents to the Company: also all the Orders, Letters, Directions, and other writings from his Majesty, the Lords of his Counsel, and other great Officers; together with the Letters from the East India Company in Holland, and the Copies of the several Answers made unto them. Also the Companies common Seal, the Treaty with the Dutch, and Contracts for bargains. All which Writings, together with the Companies money, Ryals and other Treasure, are safely to be kept in some convenient place of the Companies house, for their ordinary meeting in London and not elsewhere. XLII. They shall not pay a Warrant in full payment for any Wares whereunto the Bill of parcels is not fastened, and also subscribed by two Committees at the least who bought the goods, and the party who sold them for the use of the Company. XLIII. They shall keep fair Books of Accounts of their proceedings in the Affairs of the Company, And they shall prepare them to be Audited once every Quarter at the least. And at the times of the said Audits, they shall also present a view of all the money and Rials which ought to be in Cash, if it be required by the Court. Committees general. XLIIII. THE Committees general, being to be Twenty four in number, shall be yearly chosen, according to the Tenor of his Majesty's Letters Patents. XLV. They shall diligently keep their Courts ordinary and extraordinary, whensoever occasion of business shall require, being Summoned by the Governor of this Company, or his Deputy. XLVI. They shall perform the Orders of Courts for setting out of Ships, selling of goods, buying of Provisions, Victuals, Stores and Merchandise: wherein especial care is to be had, that no one man alone is to be entrusted with the making of those provisions, but Two at least appointed unto it by the Court: and if any one Committee be absent, the other shall not conclude any bargain for the Company, before he have acquainted the Court of Committees and from thence receive his Order. XLVII. They shall deliver up to the Treasurer, Bills of parcels under written by those persons of whom they shall buy any Merchandise or provisions for the Company. And in the said Bills, the quantity, quality, price, and all other circumstances concerning the Bargains made, shall be plainly set down to vouch their proceedings. XLVIII. They shall not Assign or intrust the buying of any of the said Merchandise, provisions, Victuals, or Stores, unto the Husband or to any others, but they shall personally perform the charge appointed them by the Court, with their best endeavour and skill: But they may use the Assistance of the Husband, or any other the Companies Officers upon all necessary occasions. XLIX. And to prevent confusion, disturbance, or discontents, it shall not be lawful for any Committee to intrude, intermeddle or deal in the things which are ordered by Court unto the charge of other Committees, more than by advice and counsel for the good of the Company, in which if any find themselves neglected, they shall make complaint thereof to the Court. L. They shall have power and Authority at their pleasure, to examine and review any of the Accounts, which shall have been Audited and allowed by the several Auditors, and if they find any errors or wrongs done to the Company, they are presently to make it known unto the Court. LI. Every Committee shall take an Oath as he is chosen, or being, absent at the next Court he cometh to, and shall faithfully perform all the things which are contained in the said Oath. Election of Officers. LII. ALL the Offices of this Company upon yearly Salary within the Realm of England, shall be void once every year on the Four and Twenty day of june, or within Three days next following. LIII. The Governor of his Deputy, and Thirteen Committees at the least, who shall be present in their ordinary place of meeting, on the Four and Twenty day of june yearly, or within three days next following, shall proceed to an Election of new Officers, and establishing of their Wages, by the order of the Ballading box, or by erection of hands, as unto the greater number of them present shall seem most convenient. LIIII. There shall be a fair admittance of all men, but first and especially of the free Brethren of this Company, who shall concur at the time appointed, to the Election and preferment of any Office in the said Company. LV. Every Officer as he is chosen shall take his Oath openly in Court, or if he be absent, then at the next Court which he shall come unto being called, and shall give Bonds with such sufficient Sureties for their true performance, as the said Court shall require. LVI. Any of the said Officers, upon perfect knowledge of their insufficiency or other misdemeanours, shall lose their places within the term of the year at the discretion of the Governor, or his Deputy, and Thirteen Committees at the least, who shall make choice of others as unto them shall seem needful, and the like in occasion of any Officers Death. Secretary. LVII. THE Secretary's Office, is to attend the Governor, Deputy and Committees, in all their Courts, ordinary and extraordinary, and also in the general Courts, to take note of their proceedings, which he shall faithfully and truly engross, into a fair Book for that purpose. LVIII. At the beginning of every Court, he shall read his collections of the Court next before, and he shall faithfully observe that nothing of importance be registered at the breaking up of any Court when the Committees are departed, or do not remain in the number of 13. at the least. LIX. He shall in due time remember and put the Courts in mind, of such particular Affairs as are ordered to be handled once every Quarter, or at other certain times appointed. LX. He shall be bound by Oath not to discover any of the Secrets of this Company, neither yet to draw up any part of the said Courts, by the persuasions or directions of any particular men whosoever, but only by the Authority of the Court, according to the very truth of their resolutions and Orders. LXI. He shall upon Reference of any business from the Court to particular Committees or others, give a true Note thereof unto the Remembrancer, that he may acquaint the parties, with the Order of the Company. LXII. He shall keep a Book, and therein by Alphabet set down the names of every particular member of this Company, and also another Book, in which he shall note down the Names of them, who shall hereafter be made free Brethren of this Company, with the Conditions: and the like for Commanders, Factors, and others who shall be entertained by the Court of Committees. LXIII. He shall perform the Messages, and write the Letters of the Company, to such noble Personages and others, which shall be given him in charge by the Governor, Deputy, and Committees, and the Copies of the said Letters, he shall register in a fair Book for that purpose. Remembrancer. LXIIII THE Remembrancer shall take such information and Notes from the Secretary, as shall concern the Reference of Affairs from the Court to a selected Committee, whom he shall acquaint with the Business, the time and place appointed for the same. LXV. He shall attend the Governor, Deputy, or Committees, at their general meetings in the Yard, where he shall take true Notes of their proceedings, and bring the same to the consideration of the next Court of Committees. LXVI. He shall from time to time (in a Book for that purpose) deliver unto the Accountant general, all such Orders of Court as do concern the Entertainment of Commanders, Factors, Masters, Purcers and the like▪ or the Alteration of any of their Wages, or any other things which do appertain to the Companies Accounts: that true Entry may be made thereof according to the Acts of Court. LXVII. He shall supply the Office of the Secretary in any occasion of his absence, to perform all the Duties of his place. Husband. LXVIII. THE Husband shall attend and take the Resolutions of the Court of Committees, concerning the Shipping which they yearly appoint for their Voyages into the Jndyes, and thereupon he shall presently draw out a Table of each Ships proportions of Victuals, ordinary and extraordinary, together with all other Munitions needful: which he shall perform in a Book for that purpose, to remain in the common Compting-house of this Company, for direction unto them who shall be appointed to make the provisions. LXIX. He shall use his best endeavours, and faithfully provide in due times to the best advantage of this Company, all such petty provisions and Stores as shall be given him in charge by the Court of Committees. LXX. He shall deliver up all the said Provisions and Stores, into the Warehouses of this Company, and for his Discharge he shall take a Receipt from the Clerk of the said Warehouses, unto whom he shall give a Note of the particular cost of every thing so delivered, that he may accordingly make Entry thereof in his Book. LXXI. He shall take a Bill of Parcels under the parties own hand Writing of whom he shall buy any thing for the use of this Company, and the said Bills he shall deliver up for his Vouchers unto the Auditors of his Accounts. LXXII. He shall solicit and assist the Committees or any others, who shall have charge to buy any Provisions, Stores, or Merchandise for the Voyages of this Company, so that all things may be performed in due time. LXXIII. He shall defray the charges of Lyteridge, Cranage, Wharfage, Portage, Rents of Warehouses, and petty Expenses disbursed by the Committees or others in the Affairs of this Company, taking Notes under their hands, viewed by the Court and after warranted by the Auditors, to vouch the parcel in the Audit of his Accounts. LXXIIII. He shall receive all the Iron both English and Spanish, which shall be bought by the Committees for the use of this Company, and he shall deliver of the said Iron to the Smith in their Yard, and to the other Smiths which make the Hoops, and he shall keep Account with them of their several works, ordinary and extraordinary, at such rates as are already or may hereafter be agreed upon for this Company. And the like he shall perform with the Cooper's for Cask, and he shall defray the charges of workmanship, both with the said Smiths and Cooper's. LXXV. He shall oversee the Clerks in the said Warehouses, to give them instructions and directions for the fitting and furnishing of each of the Companies Ships with their proportions of Stores and provisions, and for the ordering of their Accounts. LXXVI. He shall upon all occasions make Entry in the Customhouse of the Companies Ships and goods, and likewise perform any other Service, which shall be thought fit for his employment by the Governor, Deputy, and Committees. LXXVII. He shall keep fair Books of Accounts of all his proceedings in the Affairs of this Company, and he shall deliver them once every Month to the general Auditors to be perused. Clerk of the Stores in London. LXXVIII. THE said Clerk shall receive all the provisions, Stores, Victuals or Merchandise, which shall be delivered him by the Committees, or the Husband, or any other for the use of this Company, by measure, weight or number, and shall give Receipts for the same, and the like he shall perform for all things whatsoever which shall be sent and delivered him, out of the Companies Ships which return home from the Jndyes, or from any other place. LXXIX. He shall deliver of the said Victuals, Merchandise, provisions, and Stores, both new and old, unto the Companies Ships and Yard's, or otherwise as occasions shall require, by the directions of the Husband or any other in Authority; and shall send some of the Companies Servants to see the same safely delivered, with a Note of the particulars and their prizes directed to the Clerk of the Yard, or in the Ships to the Purcers, together with the several Officers whom the Stores shall concern, and to bring from them Receipts for all, without which, the said Clerk shall not be discharged in the Audit of his Accounts. LXXX. He shall deliver the Companies Iron, Led, Tin, Elephants teeth, Coral, Quick silver, vermilion and the like, unto the Purcers of each Ship by weight, and all other things which he shall send unto the said Ships, or to the Yard's, he shall perform it with as much plainness as possible he can for his Discharge, and to avoid all suspicion and error. LXXXI. He shall keep fair Books of Accounts of all his proceedings in the Affairs of this Company, and shall deliver them up once every Quarter to be Audited by the general Auditors. Warrants. LXXXII. HEreafter all Warrants to the Treasurers for money, or to the Committees of the Warehouses for wares shall be framed and made, only by the Accomptants general, and by the Husband, with their subscription for a leading hand unto the Governor, Deputy, and Committees. LXXXIII. The Warrants unto the Treasurers for money, shall be underwritten by the Governor, or his Deputy, and Four Committees at the least. LXXXIIII. The Warrants unto the Committees of the warehouses for Wares to be delivered unto the Adventurers, shall be subscribed by the Governor, or his Deputy. LXXXV. The Warrants unto the Treasurers for money upon Devidents to the Adventurers, shall be underwritten by the Auditors of the Court. Purveyors of Timber & Plank. LXXXVI. THE said Purveyors shall take notice from time to time of the Clerk of the Yard, concerning the Stores of Timber, Planks, Sheathing-boards, and Treenayles which remain in the Yard, and so by the counsel and direction of the Committees of the Yard and of the Mr. Shipwright, they shall proceed to the purveying of those Materials whereof there shall be any want and occasion, for the Companies buildings. LXXXVII. They shall use their endeavour to provide the Timber and Plank seasonable felled, and at the best hand, for the most advantage of the Company. And they shall bring all the Bargains of the said Materials unto the consideration and resolution of the Governor, Deputy, Treasurer, and Mr. Shipwright, by whose Order and in whose names the Bargains and Contracts shall be made in the behalf of the Company. LXXXVIII. There shall be power left to the said Purveyors to make Bargain of themselves (rather then to lose opportunity) for some special pieces of Timber or Knees which cannot ever be had, provided always that the Bargain exceed not the sum of Ten pounds, and that they give present notice thereof to the Governor, Deputy, Treasurer, and Mr. Shipwright. LXXXIX. They shall as near as possible they can, avoid all dark bargains by Gird Measure in the Woods▪ but when some special occasion shall urge them to that course. They shall be faithful and true in the Account of the charges, and in the measure which they shall deliver into the Yard's, squared, according to such advantage as is usual, and shall happen in the hewing from Gird into square measure. XC. They shall set a Mark and number, and keep the contents of every piece of the Companies timber before it be lodged in the Yard's at Reading, and other places, to prevent the great wrongs, which might happen by the change of the said Timber. XCI. They shall appoint the Wharfingers by every Barge from Reading and those places, to send up a true Note with the mark, number and content of every piece of Timber, that so the Clerk of the Yard may receive the same accordingly. XCII. The said Purveyors shall keep Books, thereby to give a true Account of all their proceedings in the Affairs of this Company. Measurer of Timber and Plank. XCIII. THE Measurer shall give his diligent Attendance daily in the Yard at the Water▪ side, to take up all such Timber, Planks, sheathing Boards, Masts, or other Materials, that concern him to receive by Measure, which he shall carefully and justly perform that the Company may not be wronged in the goodness of the said Materials, neither yet through any wants in the said Measure. XCIIII. He shall not receive any provisions into the Companies Yard, without a Note or writing from those persons, who shall have Order to provide and send the said provisions, and he shall refuse to unlade any such Timber, Plancke, Boards, Masts, or the like, which are faulty and unfit for the Companies use, acquainting the Clerk of the Yard presently of his proceedings therein, unto whom also he shall deliver the said Notes, that some Resolution may be taken by the Committees of the Yards to determine the business. XCV. He shall in the unlading of the said Timber, Plancke, Board's, Masts and the like, from the Five and twenty day of March next, mark every piece in the head with the Letter A. until the Five and twenty day of March next following, and then he shall begin to mark with the Letter B. and so every year change a Letter. XCVI. He shall see the said Timber, Plancke, and Boards, lodged in the most convenient places of the Yard near their use, laying the strait Timber, Beam timber, Floor timber, Phittocks, Squire knees, Racking knees, and the several forts of Planks by themselves, to avoid the great labour and charge, which hath been heretofore in the often remove of the said Materials in the occasions of their use, when they were mingled all together. XCVII. He shall set a number near the Mark, or at both ends of every piece of Timber, Plancke, boards, and the like: and he shall keep a Book, noting down therein the contents, and the tares by the said numbers; and thereof he shall give a true and perfect Account of all, unto the Clerk of the Yard, to the intent that he also may enter the same, every piece particularly in a Book as is given him in charge to perform. XCVIII. He shall deliver of the said Timber, Planks, Deals, Treenayles and Boards, to the building and repairing of the Companies Ships, or otherwise to their uses, keeping a true Account in his book of the Numbers and contents which shall be used upon each particular Ship, and he shall give a true copy daily of all his proceedings herein, unto the Clerk of the Yard, that thereby he may also enter the same orderly in his Books of Accounts. Clerk of the Yard. XCIX. THE Clerk of the Yard shall call the Workmen and Labourers every day at the times appointed: and the Foreman of the Shipwrights, Cawlkers, Carpenters, and Labourers, shall be always present until the whole Ging be called, to the end that one Workman answer not for another. And he shall have Authority to oversee all the said Workmen that they do not loiter in the Taphouse, or in any other place, nor suffer more Labourers to be at the carrying of a piece of Timber or Plank, then are needful. C. He shall upon the Arrival of any Barge, Hoy or other Vessels, with Timber, Plancke, Sheathing boards, or▪ whatsoever other materials, demand a Note or writing from those Committees or other persons who shall have Order to make the said provisions, and according to the contents of the said Notes he shall receive all into the said Yard, and make true Entry thereof in his Book. CI. He shall assist the Measurer in the Yard, to order the Receiving and bestowing of the Companies Timber and Plank, laying each sort by itself, to prevent much labour and charge in the often removing. And he shall keep a Book of purpose in the form of an Inuoyce for every sort, marked and numbered with the contents and tares, to the end that the Committees may with ease examine the measure of any piece or pieces of Timber or Plank, when they shall mistrust and desire to be satisfied. CII. He shall receive the Accounts of the Iron works, Timber, Planks, Pipe staffs, or any other Materials, which shall be issued by other subordinate Clerks in the Yard, to the building or repairing of any of the Companies Ships, Boats, Masts or the like, and he shall truly and orderly digest them in his Books upon their several Accounts. CIII. He shall give a Receipt, and stand charged to yield a true Account of all the old provisions and Stores which shall be sent to the Yard's, out of the Companies Ships that return home, except only those provisions and Stores which shall be delivered up to the Clerk of the Cordage, and the Clerk of the Iron works. And he shall also give Receipts unto the Husband, or to any other man who shall deliver provisions to his charge in the Yard. CIIII He shall cause the Barrels of Pitch, Tar, or any other Materials which are light and easy to be conveyed from the Wharse, to be carried a sufficient distance from the Waterside, to prevent the danger of stealing: and he shall not suffer any old Timber, Planks, Chips or the like, (whereof there is no use for the Company) to be carried out of the Yard, before that some of the Committees have first seen and given Order to sell the same, whereof he shall after give a true Account. CV. He shall appoint honest and trusty Watchmen every Evening when the Workmen come to their Call, and he shall remember them carefully to perform their Charge, and he shall presently after the departure of the said Workmen, call all the Officers who are Lodged in the Yard to walk the Round with him, to see that the Fires be well put out, where Plancke hath been burned that day, or under the Pitch Kettles, Cooper's house, or other places to prevent danger. CVI He shall rebate from every Workman and Labourer (upon the pay day) what they shall owe to the Taphouse, Chirurgeon, or otherwise within the Yard, and he shall diligently observe that no disorders be used in the said Taphouse by drawing of strong Beer, entertainment of Strangers, or otherwise, and he shall generally look into all other abuses in the Yard's to give notice thereof in due time unto the Governor, Deputy, and Committees. CVII. He shall keep fair and true Books of Accounts, of all things committed to his charge for the Company in the Yard, and he shall deliver them unto their Auditors to be perused and examined, at all times when they shall require. Mr. Shipwright. CVIII. THE Mr. Shipwrights duty, is to build and repair the Companies Ships, upon which works, he shall not make any Entrance or beginning without Order of Court, obtained for his Warrant and direction, subscribed by the Governor, or his Deputy, and thirteen Committees at the least. CIX. He shall bring in convenient time unto the said Court of Committees his Plots and Models complete, of all the new Ships which are intended to be by him builded for the Company. CX. He shall have a special care that his Deputy or Foreman, and all other Carpenters, Cawlkers, or Labourers in the Companies Yard, be able, honest and skilful men to the business which they shall undertake, and he shall hire them with as much advantage as possible he can for the Company, without any sinister respect in the rate of their wages, or in keeping them longer in pay then there shall be necessary occasion of their work. CXI. He shall not break up any part of the Companies old Ships indocked, before the Appraisers have valued the hulls, neither shall he launch out any of their Ships from the dock where they are built or repaired, before he have obtained an order of Court for his Warrant. CXII. He shall assist with his best endeavour and skill those Committees, who shall be appointed with him to contract bargains for Timber, Planck, sheathing Boards, Treenayles, and the like, or to let out the joiners' Work, the Carver's Work, the making of Masts, Boats, Painting, or any other the Companies Works in the Yard by the great, or to higher Carpenters to the shipping and voyages of this Company. CXIII. He shall give diligent attendance in his own person, to the ordering of those Works in the Yards which concern his charge: And he shall also give account unto the Court of Committees of his proceedings in the said Yards weekly, or so often as shall be needful. And for the better performance of this Article, he shall not undertake or perform the Building of any Ships or other Vessels, but only for this Company, without an order of Court obtained for his Warrant to the contrary, subscribed by the Governor or his Deputy, and thirteen Committees at the least. Mr. Pilot. CXIIII. THE Mr. Pilot his Office is, to command and order the works which concern the setting up & taking down of Masts, Yards, Rigging, unrigging and proportioning the quantities, sorts and sizes of Cordage to the Companies Ships, both new and old, and to use care and diligence both by himself, and his Deputies, that the Company may not be overcharged with idle, unskilful, or a needless number of Workmen, or in the rate of their wages. CXV. He shall at convenient times, Survey the building and repairing of the Companies Ships, at Deptford and Blackwall, assisting also to the indocking and launching the Companies said Ships, and being launched, to see them safely Moored, with such mooring Cables and Anchors as are best fitting, and most for the Companies profit; And to provide a competent number of Ship-keepers for each Ship. CXVI. He shall assist with his best endeavour and skill, those Committees unto whom he shall be joined by order of Court, for the hiring of Sailors to the shipping and voyages of this Company. And he shall in like manner assist those persons who shall be appointed with him to provide Canvas, and to deliver the same proportioned to be made into Sails for the Companies shipping, and for stores, or the like. CXVII. He shall solicit by his Deputies, and especially in his own person, the dispatch of the Companies Ships, at Deptford, Blackwall, and Erith, giving notice from day to day of their several wants, that they may be speedily supplied, and once every week at the least, he shall acquaint the Court of Committees of the state and forwardness of the said Ships. CXVIII. He shall after order of Court given him, at convenient and fit times, Pilot down the Companies Ships to Erith and Gravesend, attending them there, until they shall be dispatched into the Downs, and he shall likewise take charge to bring up the Companies Ships from Gravesend, until they be safely moored at an Auchor, or indocked at Blackwall, and he shall keep a Book, in which he shall truly and orderly set down all the proportions of Cordage by their length and size, which he shall appoint to the Rigging, and also for the storing of each of the Companies Ships to Sea severally: And the like diligence shall he perform for the quantity and quality of Canvas, to be spent in their Sails, and for their stores to Sea. Boatswain general. CXIX. THE Boatswain general, shall attend the works under the Mr Pilot, to proportion and serve Cordage to the Rigging of the Companies Ships, and to solicit the Sailors or Labourers to their work, to set up or take down Masts, rig and unrigge the Ships; to new lay Ropes; to lodge in appointed places, the Companies Boats, Anchors, Cables, and the like, when the Ships shall be Docked; To attend and be present at the call of the Sailors and Labourers, and to give notice of those, who are unable or unwilling to do their work; To assist them that shall be sent to the Companies Ships, when they return home to take Account of the provisions, Stores and Victuals remaining, which are to be conveyed to the places and Officers appointed to take charge of them; To have a special care that nothing be imbeazeled by day or by night, for want of good Watch, and to do any other work which shall be thought fit for his employment. purser general. CXX. THE purser general, his Duty is, when the Companies Ships are afloat, to receive money of the Treasurers once every week (or as often as need shall require) to pay the wages of Sailors and Labourers, who set the Masts and rig the Ships, As also the Harbour wages, to Officers and Mariners, who go the Voyage, and other petty charges incident. CXXI. He shall repair once every week (or as often as shallbe needful) aboard all the Companies Ships, at Deptford, Blackwall, and Erith, to confer with the Purcers, or their Mates, concerning the Days and rates of payment due to the said Officers, Sailors or Labourers, which when he shall have paid and satisfied, then shall the said Purcers or their Mates, certify by him the particulars under their hands to the Treasurer in a Book for that purpose, to vouch the Parcels in the Audit of his Accounts. CXXII. He shall every time when he returneth from paying of Wages (as is aforesaid) bring Notes with him to the Court of Committees from all the Officers, concerning the wants of provisions, Stores, or any other thing which might hinder the speedy dispatch of all the said Ships. CXXIII. He shall keep a true Account with the Clerk of the storehouse of the proportions of Cordage, which shall be delivered to the Rigging of the Companies ships, and likewise for their Stores severally, which he shall see justly performed by weight, size, and length, and he shall deliver up a Book thereof yearly unto the Auditors, in the month of March, or at any other time, if he be required. CXXIIII. He shall keep Account with the Baker for Bread, Biscuit, Meal and Flower: with the Brewer for Beer, and empty Cask in Harbour, and for the Voyage: of all which, he shall deliver up in due time a true Account of the particular disposing thereof to the Companies several Ships, or otherwise to their uses. Porter of the Lodge. CXXV. THE Porter shall carefully, look to the Yard from time to time, that neither Timber, Planks, Iron, Led, or any other provisions, do pass out of the Gate, without knowledge of the Clerk of the Yard. CXXVI. He shall upon just suspicion, search any of the Workmen for Iron work, or other Materials, which they may have stolen in the Yard, and if he take any man in the manner, he shall give present notice thereof to the Mr. Shipwright, and to the Clerk of the Yard, that they may proceed against the Offender as the cause shall require: and he shall use the like diligence in the search of those, who under colour of carrying out of Chips, might offend in the like kind. CXXVII. He shall assist the Clerk of the Yard to walk the Round, every evening to set the Watch, which shall continue all Night, until the Bell ring in the Morning to call the workmen to their labour. At which time the said Porter shall diligently attend the Gate in his own person: And if any workman or Labourers shall be absent at the Call in the Morning or after Dinner, they shall not be admitted into the Yard, but shall lose their pay for that time. CXXVIII. He shall keep an Account daily of all the provisions which shall be carried out of the Yards (of what kind soever) and he shall note down the particulars (so near as possible he can) in a Book for that purpose, to be delivered to the Committees of the Yard's, at all times when they shall require the same. And he shall not suffer any of the Labourers to depart out of the Yard from their work at unlawful times. CXXIX. He shall not receive any Money or make any profit for letting in of Gentlemen, Strangers or any others into the Yards: Neither shall he open the Gates at unseasonable hours, to the Mr. Shipwrights servants, or to any others, but only upon urgent occasions, as he will answer the contrary at his peril. Clerk of the Cordage and other Stores. CXXX. THE said Clerk shall from time to time, orderly & justly receive into the Storehouses of this Company, all such Cordage, Marlin, Twine, Ordnance, great Shot, Brass shevers, Pullyes, blocks and the like, by the Order and Warrant only of those Committees, or others, who shall be authorized to buy the said provisions, whereof he shall make true entry in his Books, and likewise give his receipt of all the particulars under his own hand unto the parties, who shall deliver the same. CXXXI. He shall in like manner receive, and also give his Receipt for every particular thing, which shall be delivered unto him out of the Companies Ships when they return home, setting down the weight of every piece of Ordnance, the length, size, and weight of the Cables and Hawsers, the weight of the old Ropes, rigging Ockam and the like, the weight of the Brass Shiuers, and generally every other thing, with as much plainness as possible he can, both for the quantity and quality thereof. CXXXII. He shall rank or place the said Cordage, and other things in the Companies Storehouses by their sorts and sizes, severally laying the Cables and other weighty things nearest the Waterside, the old Ropes by themselves, and so of every other thing, to avoid confusion, and great charges in the often removing. CXXXIII. He shall take directions from the Mr. Pilot, under his hand writing, concerning the proportions of Cordage, and other things, to be assigned to the Rigging and storing of each of this Companies Ships severally, which he shall after deliver out of the Storehouse, by such order of Measure, weight or tale, as the said provisions were received into the storehouses, whereby the Account may rest plain and without suspect: Wherefore it is further ordered, that the purser general and purser of each Ship, or his Mate, shall be present to see the weight and delivery of every particular thing, and to keep a true Account thereof in their Books. CXXXIIII. He shall for his Discharge in the Audit of his Accounts, deliver no provisions without receipts, and particularly he shall take a fair and plain Receipt of the Purcer of each of the Companies Ships, for all such provisions and Stores as shall be by him delivered to the Rigging and furnishing of the said Ships to Sea. And he shall keep fair and true Books of accounts, of all his proceedings in the Affairs of this Company, to be delivered and examined by their Auditors at all times, when they shall require them. Clerk of the Iron Works in the Yard. CXXXV. THE Clerk of the Iron Works shall receive from the Smith in the Yard weekly, or so often as need shall require, all the Anchors, Nails, Spicks, Bolts, Chaineplates, or whatsoever Iron Works, by weight and tale, for the which he shall give a Receipt of particulars unto the said Smith for his discharge, and the like to the Committees, to the Husband, or to any others, for Led, Candles, Copper, or whatsoever else he shall receive of them for the Company. CXXXVI. He shall receive from the Companies Ships, which return home, the Carpenter's tools, the Smith's tools and Stores, all the Anchors, Polts, Spicks, Nails, Chains, Chaineplates and the like, by weight and tale, for the which he shall accordingly give a Receipt of the particulars unto the Committees for recovery of old Stores: And he shall give a true note unto the Clerk of the Yard, of the weight of all the old Iron works, which shall be recovered and delivered him in the breaking up of the Companies Ships and sheathings. CXXXVII. He shall deliver unto the building & repairing of the Companies Ships, the Carpenter's tools Led, Copper, and the like, all kind of Iron works, by weight and tale, by the hands of such persons, who shall be put in trust to serve them to the Work men, & he shall take their Receipt in his Book for his discharge, & likewise subscribe the true Copies of all in their books, to avoid difference and error, and he shall examine the said servers of Iron works, daily, concerning the expense and use of all; and he shall likewise in his own person (every evening at the least) view the works, especially taking notice where, and how many great Bolts, or the like things of valuo be driven or used. CXXXVIII. He shall keep a fair Book with true Accounts, of all his proceedings in this Companies affairs, plainly and orderly setting down every particular to each Ship severally, and the said Books he shall deliver up unto the Clerk of the Yard, so often as he shall require, to the intent he may examine and digest all into his books of Accounts. Seruars' of Iron works to the Companies Ships. CXXXIX. THey shall receive from the Clerk of the Iron Works, the Carpenter's Tools, Led, Candles, Copper, Bolts, Nails, Spickes, Chaineplates or the like, which shall be required for the Works in the Companies Ships, and they shall give a Receipt for the same; plainly setting down the particulars by weight and tale, and they shall keep the true Copies of every such Receipt to themselves, subscribed by the said Clerk, to avoid error and difference. CXL. They shall deliver of the said Iron works and other things unto the Workmen in the Companies Ships, where they shall attend with diligence, observing the use of every particular thing, as near as possible they may, and especially of the great Bolts, and other things of value, whereof every Evening they shall give a reason unto the said Clerk. CXLI. They shall be very careful that none of the said Iron Works or other Materials be imbeazeled by the Work men, or any others; and if they find any man faulty in this kind, or in the neglect of their work, or otherwise howsoever, they shall presently give notice thereof to the Master Shipwright, and the Clerk of the Yard: and likewise to the Committees when they come thither, that such courses may be taken against the Offenders as the cause shall require. Smith in the Yard. XLII. THE Smith from henceforth shall receive all the Iron (both English and Spanish) at certain prizes agreed, or to be agreed upon from the Husband for this Company, who shall deliver & keep account with him for the same, and he shall receive only so much Iron from time to time, as his present working shall needfully require, for which he shall give Receipts to the said Husband for the use of this Company. CXLIII. He shall diligently work the said Iron in good and substantial manner, into such several works, of Anchors, Bolts, Spicks, Chaineplates, Nails, or the like works, ordinary and extraordinary, according to such manner, weight, and size, as shall be appointed him by the Clerk of the Iron works, for such several rates and prizes, as are already, or may hereafter be agreed upon for this Company. CXLIIII. He shall deliver up all his said works, which shall be ready made, once every week, or so often as shall be required, unto the Clerk of the Iron works in the Yard, by weight and tale, taking his Receipt for the particulars, that he may render a true Account accordingly. CXLV. He shall make choice and trial of all the Iron, which he shall receive of the said Husband: and if he find any part thereof which shall not be good for his use, than he shall refuse the same, that all excuse may be taken away in the defects of Anchors, Chaineplates, or any other works. Taphouse in the Yard. CXLVI. THey who now are, or hereafter shall be licensed by the Company from year to year, to keep the Taphouse in the Yard, shall dwell and abide in the said Taphouse rend free, for their performance, according to the Articles following. CXLVII. First, they shall not have, or retale any Beer in the said Taphouse, above the price of six shillings the Barrel, neither shall they sell of the said Beer less than three full pints of Ale measure for a penny, and the bread likewise which they shall retale, shall be from time to time of full weight and size, made of good and wholesome Corne. CXLVIII. They shall have Liberty to sell or retale to the Companies Workmen in the Yard, and to no other persons whatsoever, viz. six shillings Beer, Bread, Pease and Milk, Porridge, Eggs, Butter, Cheese, and no other kind of victuals, or drink whatsoever. CXLIX. They shall not suffer any of the Companies Workmen, to come within Rooms of the Taphouse, to drink, rest, or hide themselves in the time of work▪ But they shall deliver them drink for their refreshing, in places open, to the view of the Yard; neither shall they deliver more than two pence in Beer to one man every day at breakfast, and betwixt Meals. CL. They shall permit the Clerk of the Yard, to have free access into all the Rooms and places of the said Taphouse, when he shall so require, to search for Strangers, or Loiterers, or any other disorders which might be committed, contrary to the afore written Articles. CLI. They shall acquaint the said Clerk of the Yard every pay day of all such sums of money, as shall be due unto them for drink and victuals, entrusted unto any of the Companies Workmen in the Yard, that he may rebate the same for them, out of their wages. Chirurgeon general. CLII THE said Chirurgeon and his Deputy shall have a Lodging or a place in the Yard, where one of them shall give Attendance every working day, from morning until night, to cure any person or persons who may be hurt in the Service of this Company, and the like in all their Ships riding at an Anchor at Deptford and Blackwall, and at Erith, where he shall also keep a Deputy with his Chest furnished, to remain there continually, until all the said Ships be veiled down from thence to Gravesend. CLIII. They shall also cut the hair of the Carpenters, Saylors, Caulkers, Labourers, & any other Workmen in the Companies said Yards, and Ships, once every forty days, in a seemly manner, performing their works at Breakfast and Dinner times, or in rainy weather, & in an open place where no man may loiter or lie hidden, under pretence to attend his turn of Trimming. CLIIII. They shall discover unto the Clerk of the Yard, and to others who shall be in places of Authority, all such persons whom they shall find decrepit, lame, unclean, or unable to the Companies service, that they may be forthwith dismissed from the same. CLV. In consideration of the afore-written Attendance and performance, it is ordered, that every Carpenter, Saylor, Labourer, or other Workman whatsoever in the said Yards, and Ships, shall pay two pence every month out of his Wages, to the said Chirurgeon general. CLVI. And the said Chirurgeon general shall assist the Committees to hire unto the Shipping, and voyages of this Company, skilful and honest Surgeons and their Mates, at such reasonable rates of wages, as possible he may: and he shall acquaint and show them from time to time, all such Medicines and things as shall be furnished into the Chests, of which they are to take charge for the voyages. CLVII. He shall use diligence to furnish up all the said Chests, in such due times, that they be hereafter brought unto the Companies house, fourteen days at least before there shall be occasion to ship them, that so every particular thing may be seen and allowed, by those Committees, Doctors, Apothicaries, or any others, whom the Court of Committees shall please to appoint for that purpose. CLVIII. He shall at the return home of the Companies Ships from the Indies, receive, & also given a Receipt, to be accountable to the said Company, for the Surgeon's Chests, Tools, Medicines, & Ingredients: of all which he shall take a due account of the ship Chirurgeon, when he delivereth up his chest. Keepers of Anchors and Stores in the Downs. CLIX HE shall have charge of the Companies Cables, Hawsers, Anchors, Boats, or any other provisions already sent, or hereafter to be sent into the Downs, and shall keep a true Account in his Book of every particular, setting down orderly the time and the party's name, from whom he shall receive such things, & shall give them Receipts for their discharge. CLX. He shall use diligence when any of the Companies Ships arrive, in or near the Downs, to see them speedily furnished with such part of the said provisions as they shall need, or require, and for what he shall so deliver: he shall take a Receipt for his discharge of the Master and Purser of such Ships, whereof he shall give present notice by his Letters unto the Governor, Deputy, and Committees, that so they may demand an account of all accordingly. Cowper, Boatmaker, Carver, Mast-maker, Painter, joiner. CLXI. THey shall in their several places perform their works in due time substantially and well wrought, according to such agreements and rates as now are, or hereafter shall be bargained with them in the behalf of the Company. CLXII. They shall keep a true Account of all the Materials whatsoever, which shall be delivered them from time to time by the Companies Officers, or any others, to the performing of their said works, and so the said Accounts orderly kept of each Ships Materials by themselves, they shall deliver up, together with those Accounts which they shall give in for their own workmanships, thereby to receive satisfaction & payment from the Company. CLXIII. They shall once every week at least compare their Books with the Companies Officers, to see how they agree upon the particulars, that errors may be avoided. Clerk of the Slaughter-house. CLXIIII. THE said Clerk shall hereafter use his best endeavour and diligence, to see all those Orders duly performed, which are given him by private Instructions in writing, for the pounding, kill, bleeding, cutting, salting, repacking, pickling, & all other diligences to be used in the Slaughter-house, for the better preservation of all the Beefs and Hogs, which shall be hereafter packed and shipped for the voyages of this Company. CLXV. He shall appoint a trusty man to keep the door of the cutting Room, who shall suffer no man (without good cause) to go out and in, and to have a special care, that they carry nothing with them, more than their own, setting a Watch likewise over the windows, and to search all the Labourers at such times when they leave work, and depart the Room. CLXVI. He shall keep a true Account of the Receipts of all the Beefs & Hogs, by their weight, and thereof shall give a Copy to the Committees (appointed for that business) that thereby they may cause a Warrant to be framed for the payment of the Debt. CLXVII. He shall likewise keep a true Account of the delivery of all the said Hogs and Beefs, by the number of pieces (in each Hogshead) & weight, and to what several Ships: plainly setting down the waste, shanks, harbour victuals, Suet, Tongues, and the like, distinctly; that the Company may see, that all is orderly and justly issued to their uses, and he shall require sufficient Receipts from the Pursers or others, to whom he shall deliver any thing, that they may serve for his discharge in the Audit of his Accounts. CLXVIII. He shall keep a true Account of the Charges in the Slaughter-house, and of the Salt, Cask, and other things expended there. CLXIX. He shall also receive the Remaines of all the victuals whatsoever, which shall hereafter return home in the Companies Ships from the Indies or other places, and he shall give his Receipts to be accountable for the same. Watchmen in the Yard. CLXX. THE Watchmen shall begin their Watch in the Evening, when the Workmen depart out of the Yard, and so continue all night, until the said Workmen (at the ringing of the Bell in the Morning) return to their labour again. CLXXI They shall watch diligently at their standings, often calling one to another to prevent sleep, and every hour when the Clock strikes, they shall walk the Round, and likewise ring the Bell in the Yards, that the Companies Officers (who are lodged there) may take notice of their watchfulness. CLXXII. They shall have charge of the Plugs, to perform that work at due times, for which they shall have allowance as heretofore. Workmen generally in the Yard. CLXXIII. ALL the said Workmen shall come to their Labour at appointed times, and shall attend to answer to their cales severally, for if any of them be absent, Then such persons shall not be entertained into the Companies works, until the next call, when they shall be present, and apply themselves unto their Labours. CLXXIIII. They shall be obedient unto the Mr. Shipwright, to the Clerk of the Yard, the Foremen, and other the Companies chief Officers, who shall have Authority to direct and order the Affairs of the Yard, and shall suffer themselves to be searched, by the Porter of the Lodge, upon suspicion that they may convey away any of the Companies Iron works, or other things. CLXXV. They shall not loiter nor hide themselves in the times of work in the Taphouse, or in any other place, Neither yet depart the Yard upon their own occasions▪ without licence of the Clerk, or some other chief Officer in his absence. CLXXVI. They shall not commit or do any Riot, by Fight, Swearing, breaking of Pots in the Taphouse, hewing of good pieces of Timber, and Planks into Chips, or any other waste or hurt: for being convicted of such defaults, they shall pay the Damage, and so be presently dismissed out of the Companies works. CLXXVII. They shall rebate out of their Wages, every pay day, so much money as they shall be found indebted in the Yard to the Taphouse, and also to the Chirurgeon, after the rate of Two pence a Month per man for their Trimming and Cures as is ordered. And they shall make complaint unto the Governor, Deputy and Committees, of all disorders, which they shall perceive or know to be performed in the Yard by any man, or of oppressions or wrongs which might be offered them, by any of the Companies chief Officers, that such courses may be presently taken for Remedies, as the causes shall require. Guardians for Recovery of old Stores, provisions and Victuals, which return home in the Companies Ships. CLXXVIII. THERE shall be a trusty Guardian sent to each of the Companies Ships after they return home, and are come on this side of Gravesend, who shall carefully receive all the old provisions, Stores and Victuals, from the custody of those Officers, who shall have had the charge of them in the said Ships. CLXXIX. He shall lad the said Provisions, Victuals or Stores, in one or more Lighters▪ to be delivered into the Companies Yard's, and other places appointed: keeping a true Account of all, and sending a trusty man in each Lighter, with a Note of the particulars, that nothing may be imbeazeled. CLXXX. He shall set down orderly and plainly, every particular thing in his Book, declaring the names of the Ordnance, the number of the Pieces, and their weight, the great Shot by their number and size, the Anchors by their number and weight, the old Iron works, Vessels of Pewter, Brass, Copper or the like, by their weight, Oil, Wine, Cider or the like, by their. Vessels, and all the Remnants by Gage, measure, weight or esteem. The Cables, Cablets, Hawsers or Coil's, by their length and sizes, and generally all things with as much plainness concerning the quantity, quality and use, as possible he may. CLXXXI. He shall direct, and cause to be delivered unto the Clerk of the Cordage, all the Cables, and other Cordage, together with the Rigging and all other things thereunto belonging, as the Pullyes, blocks, brass Shevers, and the like, Ordnance, great Shot, Sails and remains of Canvas. To the Clerk of the Storehouse in London, the Gunners, Cooks, and Armourers, Stores, the lock smith's works, and the Cooper's tools, with the Cask, Iron hoops, and other stores. To the Chirurgeon general, he shall cause to be delivered, the Chirurgeon chest with all Instruments, Medicines, or Ingredients which shall remain. To the Clerk of the Yard, the Carpenters stores. To the Clerk of the Slaughter-house, the Beef, Pork, and all other sorts of Victuals whatsoever. To the Clerk of the Iron works, the Carpenter's tools, all the Sheetload, Anchors, Bolts, Spikes, Nails or the like. CLXXXII. He shall set down severally in his Book all the particulars, which he shall have delivered (as is afore written) unto the said Officers, who shall after subscribe the same, and acknowledge to have received all, for and to the use of this Company: and the said Book so subscribed, he shall deliver up unto the Committees appointed to take Account of the said provisions, Victuals and stores. Committees to take Account of old Stores, returned in the Companies Ships. CLXXXIII. THE said Committees shall be Two in number, and at the Return home of the Companies Ships, they shall appoint some trusty man for Guardian in each Ship to recover the old provisions, Stores and Victuals, in such manner and form, as is ordered in the Articles of the said Guardians. CLXXXIIII. They shall give order at the Arrival of every Ship of the Company, that no Officer be paid his wages without their Warrant, certifying that they have received an Account of the things committed to their charge. CLXXXV. They shall examine the Purcers' Books for the provisions, Stores and Victuals, which remained in each Officers custody, at their departure from the Indieses, with their discharge by the expense thereof, and the Remain which have been delivered up; and if they find any exorbitance in the expense, or wants in things which may import, than they shall acquaint the Court of Committees thereof, that they may proceed against the Offenders in such manner as the cause shall require. CLXXXVI. They shall be present, to see such Biscuit and other Victuals given to the Poor, as shallbe found unfit to be kept for the Companies service, and hath heretofore in the like cases been left to the discretion of others to distribute. CLXXXVII. They shall cause the said Guardians Book to be safely kept (in the Compting-house) by the Accountant, thereby to charge the several Officers, with the things which they have received, according to their Subscriptions: and they shall cause the said Guardians Books to be truly coppyed into a general Book of all the Companies Ships, by order as they shall return home, to the end that the Appraisers of the said Ships from one Stock to another, may make use thereof in their Appraisement. Committees to Appraise the Companies Ships which return. CLXXXVIII. THE Committees who shall be appointed with any others, to appraise the Companies Ships, from one Account to another, shall proceed with care and diligence, that all things may be esteemed and valued with such skill, that neither party may have just occasion to complain. CLXXXIX. They shall for their better direction make use of the Book of Inuentories, for old provisions and Stores appertaining to the Ships, which they shall appraise, and therein take notice of the just quantity and quality of every particular thing. CXC. They shall after they have agreed upon all things necessary to be considered, deliver up their Appraisement in writing, and subscribe the same, that it may warrant the Entrance thereof, in the Companies Books. Committees of the Yard. CXCI THE said Committees, shall be Twelve in number, and they shall take their turn by Two and two weekly, attended by a Clerk to take notice of all the workmen generally in the yard, and to see them paid their wages, which shallbe noted down in a Book for that purpose, whereunto they shall subscribe their Names, that thereby every Weeks payments disbursed by the Clerk of the Yard, may be vouched in the Audit of his Accounts. CXCII. They shall take good view and information of all the Workmen, concerning their Ability to their several works, and also the rates of their wages, lest through favour, they might be overvalued, or kept in Service longer than there shall be occasion of their work, upon discovery of which wrongs or any other, the said Committees of the Yard, or the greater number of them shall dismiss some and place others as unto them shall seem fit, for the good of the Company. And in occasion of any Difference in opinion among themselves, they shall bring the matter into the Court of Committees for a Resolution. CXCIII. They shall on the first Tuesday of every Quarter in the year (and oftener if need shall require) make their general meetings at the Yard, to take a view of all things there, and to understand the Complaints or other passages of the Companies Affairs, that such remedies and courses may be ordered, as they shall judge to be needful. Committees for Entertaining of Mariners. CXCIIII. THE said Committees shall have a special care to entertain able men, unmarried and approved Sailors, as near as possible they may, and they shall agree for their wages, with as much advantage as they can, for the Company. CXCU. They shall keep a Book, in which they shall note down, the names of every particular man, with the day of his Entertainment, his wages, his place, or Office, and in what Ship, and thereof they shall give a Note under their hands to the party hired, that he may deliver the same unto the Clerk of the Impressed money, to make true Entry thereof in his Book, and the said Note to keep by him for his Warrant. CXCVI They shall every Month at the least, Audit up the Accounts of the said Clerk, and once every year by the first day of May, or as often as shall be required, deliver up the said Accounts perfectly Audited, & subscribed by them, that they may be by the general Auditors reveiwed, and so entered in the Companies great Books by the Accomptants. Clerk of the Impressed and Wages. CXCVII. THE said Clerk shall attend the Committees, who shall have authority to entertain Sailors for the Voyages of this Company, and in a fair Book, set down the Impressed monies which he shall pay to every particular man so entertained upon their several bonds with Sureties, and this shall he perform only by a Note from the said Committees under their hands, which (together with the said bond) shall be his Warrant in the Audit of his Accounts. CXCVIII He shall upon the like Warrant pay the wages which is allowed, to the Wives of the said Sailors upon Account of every years' Service in the Shipping of this Company, if they bring good Testimony that they are the Wives of the said Sailors. CXCIX. He shall likewise pay the wages due unto all the Mariners, which shall return home in the Companies Ships, or to their Assigns, according as he shall be directed by several Warrants from the said Committees, the chief Accountant and Auditors for the Company, which Notes he shall also keep by him for his Vouchers in the Audit of his Accounts. CC. He shall attend the dispatch of all the Companies Ships at Gravesend, and in the Downs, and immediately after their departure, deliver up his Account to be Audited by the said Committees, concerning all the charges which shall be by them disbursed, in whatsoever manner for the said Dispatch. Committees for the Buying of Victuals, provisions & Stores to the Ships. CCI THE said Committees shall be Two at the least, for every several employment, neither shall any one of them conclude a Bargain, or buy any Wares whatsoever for this Company, without the knowledge and consent of the other who shall be joined in Commission with him: and if any one be absent (by whatsoever occasion) th'▪ other shall make it known unto the Court, and from thence receive his direction and Order. CCII They shall not buy, directly nor indirectly, any Merchandise whatsoever for the use of this Company of themselves, nor from any others, wherein they have any part or interest: for being convicted thereof, the Bargain shallbe void, and the offence shallbe offered to the consideration of a general Court. CCIII. They shall take Bills of Parcels under the parties own hand writing, of whom they shall buy any Wares for this Company, and therein the bargain concerning weight, tore, price, and the like, shallbe plainly set down, which Bill of parcels they shall deliver to the Accountant, that he may pin the same unto the Warrant, which shall be directed unto the Treasurers for payment of the Debt. CCIIII. They shall take a sufficient Receipt for their Discharge of the Clerks of the Storehouses, or any other, unto whom they shall have Order to consign the said Wares so bought, to be disposed for this Company. CCV. And lastly, for such Merchandise as they shall cause to be brought from any of the parts beyond the Seas by Order, and for the use of this Company, They shall at due time present the Factor's Accounts thereof, dilidently examined, and subscribed also by themselves, that so they may be reviewed by the Auditors, and after, entered orderly by the Accomptants into the Companies great Books. Masters of Ships and their Mates. CCVI THe said Master and their Mates, after they shall be hired for a voyage in the Companies Ships, and are entered into harbour Wages, shall take their Oaths openly in a Court of Committees, and shall endeavour to find out able and good Mariners, whom they shall prefer for Entertainment, unto the Committees appointed to that business. CCVII They shall give their Attendance in the day time, and lodge every night aboard the said Ships, to further their dispatch, and to keep good order among the Mariners, and over every other thing, to the benefit of this Company. CCVIII. They shall carefully appoint the quarter Masters and Boateswaynes to be daily present in the Ships hold, to see the victuals, provisions, Stores, and Merchandise, well and orderly stowed, and that the Boatswain, Gunner, Cook, Steward, Carpenter, and other Officers, do attend in the Ships, to receive and take charge of their several Stores for the voyage, and to give a true account of the disposing of every particular thing unto the Purser. CCIX They shall once every week give Account unto the Court of Committees, of the forwardness of their Ships, and of their several wants, that order may be taken for a speedy dispatch of all. CCX. They shall within ten days next after their return from the Indies, into the River of Thames, deliver up unto the Governor, Deputy, and Committees, fair Copies of their journell Books, concerning their Navigation, and other worthy observations in the course of their whole voyage. CCXI They shall be aboard the Ships when they veil down to Erith and Gravesend, to assist the Master Pilot or his Deputy, in what shall be needful, And for all other Duties, to be by them performed in the whole course of their voyage, they are at large set down in the Companies Commissions for their affairs at Sea. Quarter Masters and Boateswaynes. CCXII THE Quarter-Masters and Boatswaines shall diligently attend aboard the Companies Ships every day, to see all the victuals, provisions, stores, and Merchandise, orderly stowed in places fit and convenient, and they shall not suffer any thing to be laden into the Ships hold, before the Purser or his Mate have taken a true note thereof. Pursers and their Mates. CCXIII THey shall (as they are chosen) take their Oaths openly in a Court of Committees, and after give their daily attendance aboard Ships, to take a true account of all the harbour victuals, and victuals for the Voyage, provisions, Stores, and Merchandise, of whatsoever kind: and they shall appoint the Quarter-Masters, Boatswaines, and other Officers, that they neither lad nor unlade any thing without their knowledge, to keep a true account thereof. CCXIIII. The said Pursers or their Mates shall be present in the Companies Storehouse, to take the length, size, and weight of all the Cordage, which shall be served to the Rigging of the Ships, or for Stores severally. Also one of them shall be present, to take the weight of the Biscuit, Flower and Meal, from the Baker for the voyage; All which, they shall after see carefelly laden into the Companies, Ships, And they shall give their Receipts unto the several Officers, or any other, who shall lad, or deliver them any manner of provisions, Stores, victuals, or Merchandise, for the use of this Company. CCXV. They shall have a Beam and Scales, to receive, and note down the weight of Cheese, Butter, Bread, Brass, Copper and Pewter vessels, or any other things which are charged to the Company by weight. CCXVI. They shall at the appointed times every day call the Sailors to their work, keeping a true note of every man's days and rates of payment, whereby they may receive their due pay weekly by the hands of the Purser general, unto whom they shall also give a note, certifying the Totals of every week's disbursements unto the Treasurers of this Company. CCXVII. They shall take Receipts (in a book for that purpose) of the Boatswain, Gunner, Cook, Steward, Carpenter, Cooper, and Armourer, for all their several Stores and Tools which they shall receive for the voyage, that they may be accountable for the same, and the said Receipts shall be orderly testified by the Master of the Ship, or some other known men, And they shall keep a true account, with all the said Officers, of the daily expending of all the said stores and victuals, to the end that at all times it may be known what provisions remain in the Ships. CCXVIII. They shall use their best endeavour to learn out, and accordingly to advise the Governor, Deputy, and Committees, concerning all private trade in the Companies Ships, to and from the Indies, and in those parts from port to port. CCXIX They shall have particular charge carefully to observe, and truly to advise the Governor, Deputy, and Committees by their Letters, from the Cape of Good Hope, or from any other place, where they shall have opportunity to write, concerning the goodness or defects, of the beef, pork, biscuit, Wine, beer, Cider, Cordage, powder, or any other provisions whatsoever; and also concerning any want, which shall be found in the number of pieces of beef and pork, in any of the Cask differing from their packing here, or any want of weight in the said pieces of beef and pork, or powder, or the like, which advices they shall send, testified and under-written by the Master, or some other principal Officers of the ship. CCXX. They shall keep fair Books of accounts of all the aforesaid things whatsoever they shall receive into the Ships from several men, to the use of the Company, noting down every thing with as much plainness as possible they can, concerning number, weight, and measure, and so the said books (together with the book of Receipts from the Officers afore-written, at the departure of the Ships from Gravesend) they shall deliver up to the Governor and Committees, or to any other who shall have authority from them. The rest of the duties which concern the said Pursers and their Mates, in the whole course of their voyage, are to be seen in the Companies Commissions for the Seas. Surgeons in the Companies Ships. CCXXI. THE said Surgeons, after they are entertained into the Companies Ships, shall attend the Chirurgeon general, to the furnishing of their Chests, which they ought to carry to Sea with them, and they shall give their best advice and counsel, that all needful Medicines and other things, may be provided, whereof they shall take a careful view, when the Chest shall be delivered to their charge, that nothing be wanting, which conveniently may be had for the preservation of men's lives, and curing of their diseases. CCXXII. They shall use their best endeavour and skill (through the whole course of their Voyage) in those things which concern their places, and at their return home, they shall deliver up their said Chests with all things, which ought to remain in them, unto the said Chirurgeon general, for the use of this Company. Boatswain, Gunner, Cook, Steward, Cooper, Carpenter & Armorer. CCXXIII ALL the said Officers shall give their diligent Attendance aboard Ship from time to time, to receive and take charge of all the Provisions, Victuals and Stores for the Voyage, which shallbe assigned unto them severally to use, and to give Account of the same to the Purcers or their Mates, at all times when it shall be required. CCXXIIII. They shall also give their Receipts severally, of all the particular things which they shall have received, plainly and orderly set down in the said Receipt, which they shall after deliver up unto the Purcer or his Mate, for the use of this Company. Committees for Commissions, and Letters. CCXXU. THE said Committees shallbe Eight in number, besides the Governor, Deputy & Treasurers, and they shall diligently meet together whensoever occasion of business shall require, being Summoned by order from the Governor or his Deputy. CCXXVI. They shall with their best advice and Counsel, set down good Laws and Orders for government at Sea in the Companies Ships, and they shall give ample and plain directions by Letters unto the English Factors in the Indieses, for the general Affairs of this Company in those parts: And lastly they shall bring the said Commissions and Letters to be openly read in a full Court of Committees, to pass the judgement of the said Court, and then be subscribed by the Governor or his Deputy, and thirteen Committees at the least. Factories in the Indies. CCXXVII. THE Election, continuance, and change of the Precedents, Generals, Captains, Counsels, Factors, and all other Officers employed in the affairs of this Company in the parts of the East Indieses, shall be at the Discretion of the Governor, or his Deputy and Committees, to be performed by the order of the Ballotting Box, or by Erection of hands, as unto the greater number of them being assembled together shall seem most convenient. CCXXVIII. All the said Commanders and Factors (as they are chosen) shall presently take their Oaths openly in a Court of Committees, and shall give Bonds with sufficient Sureties, for their true performance, as the said Court shall require. CCXXIX. The Affairs of this Company in all the parts of the East Indies, shall have Dependence upon two principal Factories (viz.) Bantam in the Island of Java Maior, and Suratt in the Gulf of Cambaia, under the Great Mogul, or any other places where the Precedents shall reside: and unto them, all the other Factories shall be subordinate, in manner following. CCXXX. And first unto Bantam shall be Accountable, all the Factories in the several Lands of the Moluccoes, Banda, Amboyna, China, Japan, the Celebes, Borneo, java, Sumatra, and in the Provinces of Chochinchina, Siam, Patania, Camboia, and all the Factories upon the Coast of Coromandell, as Petipoli, Mesulipatan Pelicato, and all the rest in the Gulf of Bengala, together with all the Factories upon the Coast of Jndia or Malabar, from Goa Southwards. CCXXXI. And unto Suratt shall be Accountable, Amadavar, Agemir, Agra, Baroche, the Court of the great Mogul, and all the Factories within the Gulf of Cambaia, and upon the Coast of Malabar, Southwards as far as Goa, together with Mocha, and all other places in or near the Red Sea, and the Coast of Melinda, and all the Factories in Persia, or within the Persian Gulf. CCXXXII. The said two principal Factories, shall keep Books of all the Letters which they write unto the several Factories, and receive from them, fairly coppyed into other Books, which they shall yearly send into England unto the Governor, Deputy, and Committees: and the like they shall perform of all the notable occurrences in those parts, briefly set down day by day in form of a journal. CCXXXIII. They shall have English Beams and Scales, both great and small, to use in all needful occasions, and especially by them to receive all the Wares and Merchandise which shall be sent from hence, and Inuoiced unto them by weight, which shall be diligently compared in the presence of the Purcers of every Ship, and if any want be found, they shall presently by the first Ship send ample Testimony thereof to the Governor, Deputy and Committees. CCXXXIIII. They shall likewise receive all the Companies Spanish Rials, both by Weight and tale, in the presence of the Purcers and their Mates, of those Ships by whom they shall receive such Rials, and if any want be found, they shall send ample testimony thereof, as in the last Article. CCXXXV. And forasmuch as the Affairs of this Company, will require the employment of diverse Ships to be kept continually in the Indieses, for whose Reparations and victualling, it is conceived very needful to send great store of Provisions from hence yearly▪ The factory of Bantam shall therefore provide convenient Storehouses, and places for the receipt of Cordage, Tar, Ordnance, Powder, Shot, Victuals, and diverse other Munitions▪ that so all things may remain in safe and careful Custody. CCXXXVI. They shall appoint a sufficient Boatswain, and other skilful Officers, to the ordering of the said Storehouses, that the Companies Shipping may be furnished from thence in such measure, as by their approbation shall be found needful, so that nothing may be wasted. CCXXXVII. They shall appoint certain Factors, to the overseeing and charge of the said Storehouses, with order to keep fair Books of Accounts of all the said Provisions, which shall be received or delivered unto the Companies Ships, or otherwise to their uses, And the said Accounts being first examined, allowed and subscribed by the Precedent and his Counsel, shall once every year be sent into England, unto the Governor, Deputy and Committees. CCXXXVIII. The said two principal Factories shall solicit all the Factories which have dependence on them, to send the Accounts of their proceedings in the Affairs of this Company at due times, so that they may be examined and digested into their general Books, the which (together with the originals of the said Accounts) they shall once every year send into England, unto the Governor, Deputy and Committees, subscribed by the Precedent, his Counsel, and the Accomptants. CCXXXIX. All the Factories in the Indieses, shall keep their Books of Accounts for the Company diligently, and in an open place fit for that purpose, that so every Factor in each factory may daily view the same, to see and know the true passages of the Companies Affairs, and thereby the better to avoid the dangerous negligence of some principal Factors, who assuming the private keeping of the Accounts to themselves, it hath been found or at the least pretended after their Death, that they have kept no Accounts at all, or such as were very imperfect, whereby the Company may have been much wronged. CCXL. They shall send bills of lading under written by the Master and the Purser, And perfect Inuoyces of all the Wares which they do lad for the Company. And this not only to be performed by the Ships or other vessels, wherein such Wares shall be transported; but also by the very next convenient passage unto those places whereunto the goods are directed, reserving likewise bills of lading to themselves for their own discharge, in any occasion which may happen. CCXLI They shall not admit any man into this Companies Service, as a Factor, without the order of the Governor, Deputy, and Committees; But in cases where they shall find it very needful to make use of some men for their good experience and worth. The wages of such persons, and the approbation of their Service shall be reserved to the said Governor, Deputy, and Committees. CCXLII They shall take strict accounts of all the Officers of every Ship at their Arrival in the Indieses, concerning the several Stores committed to their charge: and at their return for England, they shall send the several Receipts of all the said Officers for the Stores, which shall then remain in their charge to the use of the Ships, that so they may render a true account thereof unto this Company. CCXLIII. They shall upon the Arrival of the Companies Shipping, take account of all the Pursers, concerning the debts and death of all men (whosoever) in the voyage, setting down the time, the place, and the persons. And the like, they shall require from all the Factories in the Indieses, whereof by every Ship which cometh for England, they shall send a plain and perfect information to the Governor, Deputy, and Committees, for their direction in the accounts, and Wages of the said dead men. CCXLIIII. After the death of any of the Companies Factors, or other Servants in the Indieses, the Precedent and his Counsel, shall by the first passage send home to the Governor, Deputy, and Committees, the last wills of the deceased, together with all their books of accounts, letters, papers, and other writings, which do either concern the Company, or any other private affairs whatsoever: Reserving only such writings, as may serve to recover in debts, or otherwise to determine any business in the Indies▪ of which likewise they shall send a perfect note, and also a true Inventory of the Estates which shall be found to belong unto such deceased Factors, or other Servants. CCXLV. From henceforth all the Commanders and Factors employed for the Company in the Indieses, shall convey all their private Letters to whomsoever, under a covert, directed to the Governor, Deputy, and Committees: for whosoever shall be found to send Letters by any other ways or means, the Company will proceed against them as obstinate offenders, and breakers of their orders; neither shall it be lawful to write the said private Letters, otherwise then in plain English, and without any Character. CCXLVI. It shall be lawful for all the said Factors, to write their particular Letters unto the Company▪ But for the Prizes and vent of Merchandise, or any other matter which may concern the Trade, it shall be wholly referred unto the general Letters, for the avoiding of confusion and doubts, which might arise by the diversity of advices. CCXLVII The chief Factors in all the several Factories of the Indieses, shall diligently inquire, and carefully seize upon all such private Trade, as shall be hereafter performed by any person or persons whosoever, contrary to the orders of this Company, as in the Articles. 205 & 206 And of their proceedings herein from time to time, they shall send advice and true Inuentaries, by the first passages for England, unto the Governor, Deputy, and Committees. And also unto the Precedent and his Counsel in the Indieses, who by the first shipping for England, shall lad the goods seized as aforesaid, and direct the same unto the Governor and Company under their mark. CCXLVIII. A diligent enquiry shall be made from time to time, concerning the life and conversation of all the Factors in the several Factories of the Indieses▪ and if any of them be found to break the orders of the Company, to deal injustly, or to be of an evil disposition▪ as a common Drunkard, a notorious Gamester or Whoremaster, or wronger of the Company by private Trade, or otherwise insufficient, The Precedent (with approbation of his Counsel) shall by the first passage, ship home such unworthy Factors, together with the proofs and testimonies of their defaults: that so the Company may proceed against them, according to the quality of their offence. CCXLIX. For diverse reasons (which have been duly considered) it is ordered, that all the gifts, presents, or other profits, given or bestowed, by any foreign Prince, Ruler, or Commander, upon any whom the Company shall employ in their affairs, shall be from henceforth reserved to the use, and brought to the general account of this Company. CCL. And for all other matters occurring from time to time in the affairs of this Company, in the said parts of the East Indieses, they shall be wholly referred to the discretion and ordering of the Governor, Deputy, and Committees, by their Letters, Commissions, directions, or instructions: All which writings (for weighty reasons it is thought convenient) shall be under-written by the Governor or his Deputy, and thirteen Committees at the least: for otherwise they shall not be of strength and power, to direct and order the said Factories. Except only those Commissions, whereby the Precedents (together with their Counsel) shall have authority to direct, and govern the General affairs of this Company, both by Sea and land in the Indieses: Unto which Commissions shall be fixed, only the great Scale, which by his Majesty's Letters Patents, is granted unto the said Company. Committees for discharge of the Companies Ships. CCLI. THE Committees who shall be appointed to see the Companies Ships discharged (after they return home laden from the Indieses) shall be present to see the Hold opened, and diligently observe, whether it be full with Wares, or how much it wanteth, that they may report the true estate of all as they shall find it, unto the Court of Committees. CCLII. They shall prepare strong and good Padlocks (of their own choosing) with which they shall lock the Hold carefully, when they retire to Dinner, and when they give over the work at night, always commanding the Porters and others to be searched, when they come out of the Hold, to prevent such deceit, as they might use by secret conveyance of Wares, in their Breeches, or otherwise. CCLIII. They shall appoint some of the Companies Servants to assist and attend with them vigilantly at the Hold, that nothing may be conveyed from thence without their knowledge, and a true note taken of the particulars, in as plain and perfect manner as possible they may: and the said notes of every several days discharge, they shall deliver up under their own hands unto the Governor, to be by him delivered to the Accomptants, who shall enter the same orderly into a Book for that purpose. CCLIIII. They shall send in every Lighter laden with Wares from the Ships, one of the Companies trusty Servants, with a note of the particulars, and also to watch continually (until all be discharged at the Customhouse) that nothing be embezzled: and for more safety they shall lock up the Holds of the said close Lighters, and deliver the keys unto them, who shall have charge to unlade the said goods. CCLU. They shall at the full discharge of every Ship, go down into the Hold, diligently to search, that nothing do remain between the Ceilings, or in any other place of secret conveyance, whereby the Company might be wronged. CCLVI They shall cause some of the Companies Servants, to keep a board continually (day and night) during the time of the Ships discharge, with careful Watch that nothing be conveyed away by the Captain, Master, Factor, Officers, Mariners, or any others, without their knowledge: and notes taken of the particulars, to be sent, and safely kept in the Customhouse, until order taken at a Court of Committees, how the said Goods shall be disposed. CCLVII. They shall appoint some of the Companies trusty Servants to assist them, in the receiving up of all the said goods at the Customhouse, keeping a true note of all things by weight, measure, or tale, according as the Merchandise shall require, and the said note to be by them subscribed, that they may after be entered by the Accomptants in to the Book afore written, whereby the just quantity of Wares may appear, which shall be delivered into the custody of them, who shall have charge of the Companies Warehouses. Clerks of the Warehouses. CCLVIII THE said Clerks shall receive into the Companies Warehouses, all the Spices, Indigo, raw Silk, wrought Silk, Calicoes, Drugs, Carpets, or any other Wares which shall be delivered them in charge by the Committees of the said Warehouses, for the use and account of this Company. CCLIX. They shall receive all the said Wares carefully and justly, by number, weight, or measure, as the Merchandise itself shall require, and thereof make true entry in a Book of purpose, setting down the Wares of each Ship severally, and the commodities of sundry kinds by themselves, that the charge of every Warehouse may appear, when any enquiry shall be made thereof. CCLX. They shall give their attendance with all carefulness, especially when the Wares are Garboled and repacked, locking up the doors in time of work, and suffering no man who shall be employed in those labours, to depart before he be searched: against which order, if any of them resist, he shall be presently dismissed out of the Companies service. CCLXI. They shall deliver of the said Goods from day to day unto those persons, and in such manner as they shall receive Warrant to perform from the Governor or his Deputy, and the Committees of the Warehouses: and the said Warrants they shall reserve for their discharge; noting down in a fair Book every particular thing delivered, the time, the party's name, his sureties, tares, trets, price, and every other circumstance, to make the parcel plain and perfect, and in the Margin to note down the number of each Warrant. CCLXII. They shall keep a true account of all manner of charges which they shall disburse to Porters, Carmen, or the like, in the Warehouses, and of the Cask, or Canvas, which they shall receive to pack or imbale the Companies Goods: and they shall likewise render a true account, of all the Skins, Wrappers, Cotten Wools, or other things, which shall be sold to the most advantage of this Company. Committees of Warehouses. CCLXIII. THE said Committees shall be six in number, and they shall see all the Merchandise whatsoever for this Company, safely and orderly lodged in the Warehouses, taking a true account of every Ships lading, concerning the quality and quantity of the Wares severally, and so shall they compare all things by the Accounts from the Indieses, to see that the Company be not wronged in their weight, number, measure, false packing, or other defects, whereof they shall presently acquaint the Court of Committees, that such course may be taken for remedy, as unto them shall seem needful. CCLXIIII. They shall oversee the said Warehouses, and command, that all things there be well and orderly placed, so that no part of the Wares may receive any hurt, or be wasted; and they shall cause three Locks of several openings to be made to the outward doors of every Warehouse, that so the keys of two of them may be in the power of two several Committees, and the third shall be reserved in the charge of the said Clerk. CCLXU. They shall underwrite the Warrants to the said Clerks, together with the Governor or his Deputy, for the delivery of Wares upon Stock unto the Adventurers, or upon Bills, according to the bargains, which shall be made by the Candles, or otherwise; in which they shall have a special care▪ that nothing be trusted, but upon good security CCLXVI They shall Audit up the Warehouse books, concerning the particular charges disbursed by the Clerks, and take account of the Wrappers, Skins, Cotton Wools, and the like, to be sold for the use of the Company. Sales of Merchandise. CCLXVII. THE Custom which hath been used heretofore in selling the Wares of this Company at a general Court, and the Remnants of small value in the Warehouses by the light of a Candle, shall be continued; only in some cases excepted, where the Governor, Deputy, and Committees, shall conceive it needful to take some other course for the good of the Company. CCLXVIII. All adventures of Stocks which shall hereafter be sold by the light of a Candle in open Court, shall be published and put to sale in the names of the Adventurers of such Stock; And it shall not be lawful for any man▪ either by himself or by any others for him, to offer price for the said Adventures; only they have power in the beginning of every sale to set down their lowest rates, and then to take their fortune of that which shall follow by the offers of other men. Solicitor for Payment of Debts. CCLXIX. THE said Solicitor shall attend the Warehouses, to take notice of all the Wares which shall be entrusted to any man by this Company, and shall make the Bills of Debt, and procure them to be signed and sealed by the principal Debtors and their Sureties; which Bills so signed and sealed, he shall deliver up to the custody of the Treasurers for this Company. CCLXX. He shall likewise solicit all the Companies Debtors, to bring in their money to the Treasurers at the due time: and if he find any man negligent or careless to discharge his debt, he shall acquaint the Court of Committees thereof, that they may take some speedy course for satisfaction. Solicitor in the Law. CCLXXI IN all occasions of controversies, actions, and suits of Law, the said Solicitor shall follow the cause by his own experience, and according to directions of his learned Counsel assigned him by the Court; concerning which, and all other his proceedings in the affairs of this Company, He shall from time to time acquaint the Court of Committees, and attend their resolutions. CCLXXII▪ He shall assist to make contracts, covenants, and other Writings, wherein the Company shall have any occasion to make use of his knowledge and endeavours in matters of that kind. Wages. CCLXXIII. THE Wages or Allowance unto the Precedents, Generals, Captains, Commanders, Factors, and all other Officers in this Companies Service (wheresoever) shall be agreed and established by the Governor or his Deputy, with the greater number of the Committees. CCLXXIIII. There shall be allowance of two Month's wages imprested aforehand, unto all such persons as shall serve this Company in their Shipping to the East Indieses, and for some special reasons, there shall be allowance of three months' wages imprested aforehand, unto all the Ship Carpenters employed in the said Voyages. CCLXXV. There shall be allowance also of two months' wages (upon Account of every years' Service) unto the Wives of all such persons, as shall be employed in the Companies Shipping to the East Indieses. CCLXXVI. All the Factors for the Company in the East Indies, shall have one third part of their wages allowed them there yearly (if they require it) for maintenance of Apparel and the like, after the rate of Five shillings sterling for every Ryall of Eight. But the other two third parts shall be paid here in England unto their Assigns. And the said Factors shall not be entertained into the Companies service for less than Seven years, except only in some special occasions of principal men it is left unto the discretion of the Governor, Deputy and Committees, to agree with them as they shall see cause. CCLXXVII. The wages which hereafter shall be paid unto any of the Commanders, Factors or Mariners, that return home in the Companies Ships from the Indieses, or to the Executors and Assigns of them who happen to dye in the Voyage, shall be made up justly by the chief Accountant, assisted by any one of the Auditors, in the presence and with the approbation of one or more of the Committees appointed for entertaining of Mariners: and thus by warrant from them all signed, the Clerk of the wages shall pay every particular man his due, reserving the said Warrants for his discharge in the Audit of his Accounts. CCLXXVIII. The Companies Officers here in England upon yearly Salary, shall have their wages paid them Quarterly by just proportions. CCLXXIX. The said Officers from henceforth, shall not take directly nor indirectly, any Fee, payment or Gift of the Brethren of this Company, concerning Warrants, Bonds, Bills, Transportations of Adventures, or any other service which ought to be by them performed in their several places, but their labours of this kind shall wholly depend upon the yearly salary or other rewards, which shall be agreed or allowed them by the Court of Committees: only the Secretary's Fees, which are usually paid by them who are made free Brethren of the Company shall be continued. CCLXXX. There shallbe no increase of wages given to any man, who (in the course of the Voyage whereunto he is hired) shall happen to succeed or to be preferred to a higher Office than that place wherein he was first Shipped. But if any such persons so advanced shall be found to have well deserved for the benefit of the Company, the Court of Committees may gratify and reward them, as they shall think fit. Gratifications. CCLXXXI. THE Gifts and Liberality of this Company unto worthy and well deserving Persons, shall be at the discretions and disposing of the Governor or his Deputy, with the greater number of Committees; Provided always that no Gift or Gratification to one man shall amount to a greater value than the sum of One hundreth pounds. For if there shall be occasion to give a larger Reward to any particular man, Then in that case they shall acquaint the general Court therewith, and from thence receive resolution and direction. CCLXXXII. All Gratifications which either have been given heretofore or shallbe given hereafter, to any of the Companies Officers in the Realm of England, over and above their yearly salary, shall not remain constant unto them in the nature of wages, but such gratifications shall pass the judgement of the Court of Committees once every year, at the time of their Election. CCLXXXIII. The said Governor, Deputy, and Committees, shall not allow or take unto themselves, any sum or sums of money for and in consideration of their cares and labours in the Affairs of this Company, but the Rewards of their Deserts shall be referred once every year to the pleasure of the general Court, wherein new Directors shall be chosen, or to the next general Court following. CCLXXXIIII. All Gifts of whatsever kind, or to whomsoever given, either openly in Court, or privately by the Order of Court, shall be delivered in the name of the Company, by some Committees appointed thereunto by the Court, who shall render a particular Account of such private distributions at all times when the said Court shall require the same. Trade. CCLXXXV. THE Trade for the East Indieses shall be unlawful to all men, otherwise then in the general or joint Stock, which shall be managed by the Governor, Deputy and Committees, for and in the behalf of all the Adventurers. And whosoever shall be found directly or indirectly, to perform any other private Trade, to or from the said Indieses, or within any of the several Factories, or from Port to Port there, he shall Forfeit all the monies, Wares, Interests, and other profits whatsoever (or the value) which shallbe found to belong, proceed, or arise by any such private Trade. And the said Forfeitures shall be recovered according to the Tenor of his Majesty's Letters Patents granted unto the Company. CCLXXXVI. There shall be a Toleration, only for the encouragement of all the Commanders, Factors and Mariners, who shall return home in the Companies Ships and service: to bring with them for their own proper Accounts, so much Raw Silk, Benjamin, Gumlacke, Musk, Sugar Candy, Drugs, Carpets, Quilts, Hard-wax, Preserves, Wormeseeds, Silk Stuffs, Beazar-stones, or any other Wares whatsoever (Jndico, Calicoes, Diamonds, and all sorts of Spices only excepted) as they can bestow or pack into one Chest for each man, of Four foot long, 1. Foot & a half broad, and 1. foot and a half deep, for which they shall not pay Fraight or any other duty unto this Company. Beadle. CCLXXXVII. THE said Beadle shall daily give his Attendance at the Companies House, to know the pleasure of the Governor or his Deputy, for the Summoning of Courts ordinary and extraordinary, and other meetings of the Committees, and shall diligently attend the Courts, to perform such other Duties as concern his place. CCLXXXVIII. He shall use all possible Diligence in the warning of the General Courts, and especially the Court for Election of the Governor, Deputy, Treasurers, and Committees, leaving Tickets at each man's House, and setting up Bills in the Exchange three days at the least before the said Courts. Porter of the Companies House in London. CCLXXXIX. THE said Porter shall have a Room in the Companies House near the street Door, for his abode in the day time, and a Chamber for his Lodging in the Night. CCXC. He shall attend daily to open and shut the Street Door, and the back Gate upon all occasions needful, and he shall diligently observe such persons who enter and depart the Companies House, especially those who may seem to be suspicious, or are found to be troublesome by outrageous speaking, Swearing, Gaming, Quarrelling, Fight, or other disorders, and shall cause them forthwith to avoid the House. Also to apprehend such as shall have stolen or do attempt to pilfer, or perform any other thing in the said House, contrary to his Majesty's Laws. CCXCI He shall every Night before Supper, call John Blount one of the Companies Officers, who is Lodged in their said House, to walk the Round with him into all the open Rooms and places, where they shall carefully view, and after lock up the doors, and deliver the Keys unto the Companies Secretary. CCXCII. The street Door shallbe shut and chained every Evening presently after departure of the Officers: and if any chance to knock later within Night, answer shallbe made them without unchayning the Door, until the party and his Errand be known unto the rest of the Officers lodged in the Companies house. CCXCIII. The Street door and back Gates, shall shut each of them with Two locks of several openings, to the intent that every Evening one Key of each door may remain with the Porter, and the other Keys to be delivered to John Blount aforesaid, who shallbe present to see the said Door shut and opened daily, and shall also have care and, assist the Porter to prevent all disorders in the Companies house. CCXCIIII. The Porter shall have the custody and care of the Companies Fewell and Candles, that they be not wasted by others, and shall make the Fires in the several Offices at the times appointed, and shall daily sweep the great Hall and Parlour, the Street door, and all the Yard's, light Candles to the Offices and in the Lanterns about the House, and to do all other things fitting his place. CCXCU. All the Officers and their Servants (who do lodge in the said House) shall have egress and regress into the same, Viz from Six a clock in the Morning until Ten a clock at Night, and not before, or after those times, except only upon some special occasion by Licence, or by the general consent of the said Officers. CCXCVI The said Porter, shall once every week sweep the Treasury, and all the other Offices in the Companies said House. Accomptants general. CCXCVII THE Booke-keepers shall observe such Order and Method, in the Managing of the Accounts for the Affairs of the Company, as is at large set down and delivered them in an Instruction. Page. 75. CCXCVIII. They shall not digest or enter into the great Books, the Accounts of the Yards, Factor, Husband, Warehouses, Wages, Impressed, Storehouses, or any other Accounts whatsoever, before they be Audited, and signed by the several Auditors appointed thereunto by the Court. CCXCIX. They shall carefully review the works of the said Auditors, and if they find any oversight or error, they shall presently cause the same to be reform. CCC. They shall not frame or make a Warrant in full payment of any Provisions whatsoever, bought by the Committees or others, without a Bill of parcels subscribed by them, and also by the parties who sold the goods, that so the said Bills may be fastened to the Warrant for the Discharge of the Debts. CCCI They shall by the direction of the Court, write all the Companies Letters, Inuoices, Bills, of lading, Commissions, or instructions for the Indieses, or to any other place beyond the Seas, and the Copies they shall see fairly written into the several Books appointed for that purpose. CCCII. They shall note down in a Book from time to time, all the Bargains for Timber, Plancke, Masts, Treenailes, Deals, Sheathing-boards, and the Copies of all, they shall deliver unto the Clerk of the Yard for his direction, in the receiving of the said Bargains for the Company. CCCIII They shall carefully pass the Brokes upon all men's Accounts, whosoever shall not pay in their monies at the times appointed. CCCIIII. They shall declare where any Defect is at any time, either in the Officers in not delivering up their Accounts, or in the Auditors in not Auditing the same. CCCV. They shall not deliver out of the Companies house any the originals, or Copies of Letters, journals, Consultations, Commissions, Accounts, or other writings which do concern Navigation, Trade, or other secrets of the said Company, neither yet shall they suffer any of them to be perused or read in the said House by any person or persons, but only by such who shall be authorized thereunto by the Court. CCCVI. They shall yearly deliver up unto the Court at the Fine of june, a perfect Balance of all Accounts in their charge. Auditors in the Court of Committees. CCCVII. THE said Auditors shall be Six in number, and in all occasions of difference for matter of Accounts which concern the Company, they are to examine and search out the Truth, and to deliver their opinions unto the Court, or else to determine and end those causes which shall be referred unto them. CCCVIII. They shall acquaint the Court when any divident in money is due unto the Adventurers, which take not out their Stocks in goods. CCCIX. They shall underwrite all the Warrants, which are directed unto the Treasurers, for payment of the Dividents in money unto the Adventurers, And they shall subscribe to all the particular Accounts Audited by the general Auditors, before they be entered into the Companies great Books. CCCX. They shall have Authority to make Inquirie and oversee the Affairs of this Company, concerning the performance of all their Laws and standing Orders. CCCXI They shall carefully take notice of the errors, negligence, obstinacy, or insufficiency of any man whosoever in the Companies business. CCCXII. They shall be prepared at the general Court, on the last Tuesday in the month of May, yearly appointed for reformations, faithfully to deliver up their Collections or complaints to the Company, if they be required thereunto. Auditors general. CCCXIII THE said Auditors shall be two in number, and they shall have a room or place to themselves, for their meetings in the Companies house. CCCXIIII. They shall once every quarter (at the least) Audit up the Cashes of the two Treasurers, and the accounts of the Husband, together with the accounts of the Clerks of the Storehouses in London: The accounts of the Clerks of the Impressed money and wages, the account of the Clerk of the Cordage, of the Clerk of the Yard, of the Clerk of Beef and Pork, of the Clerks of the Warehouses, etc. And also all the accounts from the Companies Factors in the Indieses, or any other accounts of Factors, who make provision of Wares for the Company beyond the Seas: And after they have exactly Audited all the said accounts, they shall bring them to the view of the Auditors Committees, to be by them approved and subscribed, before they be delivered up unto the Accountant general, to be entered in the Companies great Books. CCCXU. They shall use special care and diligence in the Audit of the accounts of money taken up at interest, to see from time to time, that the Company be not charged with more than their occasions require; whereof they shall give a reason in the first Court of Committees after every quarter day. CCCXVI They shall have care of the general accounts, to see that all the other accounts and parcels be fairly and truly entered into them by the Booke-keepers, and that they be prepared to deliver up a perfect Balance of all the said accounts unto the Company, by the last day of june yearly. Audit of Accounts. CCCXVII. IN the Audit of all the Companies Accounts, it is required that the several Auditors thereunto appointed, do carefully cast up every parcel, and so to follow the Accomptants in all other their performance, that no miscasting or other errors may be passed for want of search. CCCXVIII. It is necessary not only to draw up accounts by form unto a perfect Balance, but also the very matter itself is diligently to be regarded concerning the issuing of the Companies materials to their buildings, the prices of provisions bought, the disbursements of charges and the like; in any of which, if there be found exorbitance, or excess, it shall be brought to the consideration of the Governor, Deputy, and Committees, before the accounts be allowed. CCCXIX And forasmuch as the affairs of the Company are so contrived, that there is now little or no trust imposed in any particular man's accounts: But that he hath also some check by Warrants, Bills of parcels, or the accounts of other men: It is therefore carefully to be observed by the Auditors, that each Accountant produce such Vouchers, as are at large set down in an instruction for that purpose. Page 79. Freedoms. CCCXX. IT is Ordered and agreed: That if by any means the names of any of the Company are not mentioned in the Charter granted by his Majesty unto this Society, That (notwithstanding) aswell they as any other, that are or shall be admitted of the Company, by virtue of an Order of Court, heretofore or hereafter to be made, are in all respects as free of the Company, as if they were expressly mentioned in the said Charter. CCCXXI It shall be lawful for each Brother of the Company, already Free, or hereafter to be admitted, to make all his Sons Free of this Society at their several Ages of XXI. years or upwards, and all their Apprentizes, who shall have served them VII. years at least by Indenture, after they themselves were made Free of this Company. But such as are or hereafter shall be admitted a free Brother of this Society Gratis, that is to be understood only in their own persons, and no otherwise. CCCXXII. And it is further Ordered, that any person or persons (his Majesty's Subjects) may from henceforth be admitted a free Brother of this Company by redemption. That is to say a mere Merchant shall pay Fifty pounds, and all others of whatsoever Profession, vocation, or Trade, shall pay one Hundred Marks for their several Fines, at their admissions by the Governor, Deputy and Committees. CCCXXIII. All the Apprentizes of this Company, and also such Factors who shall have served them faithfully Seven years in the East Indieses, shall be made Free Brethren of this Company. CCCXXIIII. It shall be lawful for the Governor, or his Deputy, with the greater number of the Committees, to admit into this Society Gratis, any Noble or well deserving persons who have merited, or may by them be thought worthy to receive such favour from the Company, paying only the Officers Fees, and XX. s. to the Poors Box, at the time of their several admissions. CCCXXV. All such as shallbe made free Brethren (hereafter) of this Company, shall take an Oath in the presence of the Governor, or his Deputy, and Six Commits at the least, before they be admitted into this Society. CCCXXVI. From henceforth all such as are to be made Free of this Company by Patrimony or by Service, shall require the said Freedom within Twelve Months after they are capable of the same, Pena Five pounds, except by motion made in a Court of Committees, they shall have further time granted them. Penalties or Fines. CCCXXVII. GENERALLY whosoever (in Office for this Company) shall be found to break any of the Companies Laws or Orders, through wilful neglect or insufficiency to the performance of his charge, he shall be forth with Displaced, and also be further proceeded against according to the quality of his Offence. CCCXXVIII. It is Ordered and agreed, that all such as hereafter be chosen Governor, Deputy, Treasurer, or Committees of this Company, and do refuse or will not take the said Offices upon them: shall Forfeit and pay to be freed thereof for One whole year, such reasonable Fines as the general Court shall think good. CCCXXIX. The Forfeitures which hereafter are to be paid by the Committees for absence, or late appearance, in their Courts, and other meetings, without lawful excuse; or for unseemly speaking, or wilful and uncivil interrupting of each others speech, or private conferences, to the disturbance of their said Courts and the like: Shall be imposed from time to time, at such rates as the Governor, or his Deputy, with the greater number of the Committees shall see cause, for the better effecting of the Companies Affairs, and preservation of Order among themselves. CCCXXX. It is ordered for pacification of controversy in Arguments in the General Courts and meetings of Committees, and of loud or confused speeches, That when the Governor or his Deputy, commandeth silence by the stroke of the Hammer, that then every person be quiet and still, Pena XII. d. for every such Offence. CCCXXXI. For better and more speedy payment of all Debts due unto the Company by Bond, Bill, or for Adventures, or otherwise by any Brethren of the same, who shall not make payment to the Treasurer or to such other as shall be appointed for that purpose, at the time and place limited and set down, shall forfeit and pay to the use of the General Company (besides their principal Debts) the sum of XL s. upon every C. l. for each Month they shall omit to bring in the same, and so after the said rate for a shorter or longer time, whether it be upon a greater or a lesser Sum of money to be proportioned. CCCXXXII. All Fines now or hereafter to be Forfeited by the Brethren of this Company, for breach of any the Ordinances of the same, shallbe by him or them presently paid to the use of the general Company, or charged upon his or their stocks or Adventures with this Society, to the use aforesaid: or having no Stock or Adventure with them, to suffer Imprisonment during the pleasure of the Company, according to the power which is granted them by his Majesty's Letters Patents. Laws or Orders. CCCXXXIII. THE Laws or Orders now made, together with his Majesty's Letters Patents to the Company, shall be brought by the Secretary unto every Court, that they may be perused in all occasions which shall happen. CCCXXXIIII. The Laws or standing Orders of the Company, shall be publicly read in the beginning of a general Court, to be holden on the last Tuesday of the month of May yearly if it be required, And then the making of any new Orders, or the Abrogating of any of these which are already made, shallbe offered to the consideration and resolution of the Generality. CCCXXXV. All Laws or Orders heretofore made, being repugnant or swerving from these, shall henceforth be void. THE ORDER AND METHOD THAT THE ACCOMPTANTS GENERAL SHALL OBSERVE AND PERFORM IN THE Managing and digesting the Accounts of the Company: As followeth. FOR the more conveniency in the Managing of the said Accounts, consisting of so many particular estates and Adventures, and disposed into such diversity of employments and returns; you shall divide the said Accounts into two Books, namely, two journals, with their two Lidgers: The one whereof shall be the Account proper, and the other the Account currant, in each of which, you shall handle these particulars following. IN the Book entitled Account proper, you shall enter every particular man's Adventure (according to the proportion he hath) mentioning his name and quality so near as you may, making him Creditor for his said Adventure in particular, according to the Payments he bringeth and payeth in, that the Acquittances given per the Treasurers, and your Books may agree upon all occasions. IN this Book you shall enter particularly the payments and satisfaction that is made to every Adventurer (for his Adventure) as it is taken out by him, be it in money or goods; plainly showing wherein, and when every man is satisfied his Adventure: and you shall in these Books charge no man for any thing, save what is delivered on his Stock. IN this Book likewise you shall enter every years total employment sent to Sea, be it Merchandise, Ships, Victuals or Charges incident, after the same shall be first at large, and after particularly contracted and digested in the Books of the Account currant, which you shall yearly by a parcel of Balance bring over to this Account, and here in one account enter plainly and distinctly the Merchandise first, than the Ships with their victualling, and that years charge successively; that it may readily appear what every years' employment and charge amounteth unto, and wherein it consisteth. IN this Book you shall also enter all Factor's Accounts both for Sales and employments made in and received from Jndia, and although every Ships return may consist of diverse sorts of Merchandise, you shall notwithstanding in this Book arm but one Account for any one Ship, but shall in that Account both in journal and Leaguer, successively enter every commodity, expressing his quantity and cost. IN this Book you shall also only keep the Account of profit and loss, and shall clear no Account or Voyage, till the same be fully accounted for, and shall also in this Account pass unto every man his profit or loss, as the Stock general shall produce. In the other Books called the Account Currant, you shall enter and digest all manner employments and returns, amply and particularly; in the managing whereof you shall observe this order following. FOR the outward employment or issue of the Stock afore mentioned in the other Book, you shall divide the same into four Branches, that is to say; 1 THE State of Merchandise, and of them you shall keep distinct and several Accounts in their proper kinds and denominations, not confounding many together: and the said Commodities as they are disposed into voyages, you shall clear by the voyage whereunto they are dissigned, and so every year clear this branch, unless any be left which may remain on their Accounts till the future year. 2 THE State of Shipping, which you shall likewise severally keep every Ship by itself, charging the same particularly with every Material that is expended thereon, aswell to the Building, as furnishing, and for store, together with the Charge of wages of Workmen employed therein, till the such Ship be fully furnished to Sea. And for plainer and ready performance hereof, you shall keep all the Materials, that are required to the building and furnishing of Ships in their several denominations and kinds, (and not heap them confusedly in the names of Officers and Storehouses) that so it may readily appear how much of every Provision is spent Yearly, and how it is spent, to the end necessary and competent proportions may always be provided, without superfluety and unnecessary Charge. 3 THE State of Victualling, you shall likewise keep in their several Denominations and kinds, and the expense of them, Charge on every Ship according to his proportions, that of these kinds may appear what is yearly expended, and needful to be provided. 4 EXPENSES General, such as are Gratueties, Salary of Officers, Rents, Charges, ordinary and extraordinary, and such like: which you shall likewise keep distinctly, every one in his proper Name and title, that of this quality also may appear what is expended yearly. AND for Conclusion of this Account of Employment, for that every Year breedeth his Voyage, and charge of Ships, Victuals, etc. as above; you shall draw out of these Branches every years' Employment, to one head or Voyage, and thereon charge, first, the Merchandise agreeing with the Inuoice; next the Ships, and the Victuals; and lastly that years general Charge, and this in particular, and successively: which thus contracted, you shall in one parcel balance and bear over to the Book called Account Proper, and there reenter as is ordered in the third Article, for the ordering of that Book. SUCH necessary Accounts as arise in the currant of this business with Factors beyond the Seas for Provision of Foreign Commodities, Officers at home for the defraying of Charges, and monies delivered for Provisions before hand, be careful to keep distinctly and plainly that one Account be not confounded with another. FOR all commodities returned from Jndia, which in the other book you have entered according to the Inuoyce in one Account, you shall in these Books handle particularly each commodity in an Account by itself, and the Sales thereof, on which commodities you shall charge his proper charges, and duties paid here in England, and the same being fully sold, you shall pass the net Proceed thereof into the other books, and there make the same good to the Inuoyce or Account it belongeth. FOR such Ships as shall return from Jndia, being first praised, according to the Companies order, you shall enter particularly in this Book, and the same being fully perfected, you shall in one parcel pass the same over to the other Book, and there allow the same in one total (referred to this Book) to the Voyage it belongeth. FOR wages and charges that shall arise upon any Ships discharge or return, you shall likewise handle in this book, and the same being perfected, pass the same in one entire parcel to the other Book, and there charge the same upon the Account or Inuoyce it belongeth▪ that by this means it may plainly appear, what is got by each particular commodity, and every Ships whole lading. BOTH in the one and the other Account, you shall not pass any thing without a sufficient Voucher to justify your journals parcels under some Committee or Officers hand. AND for conclusion of all, you shall digest and enter all Accounts into the journal yourself with your own hand, For we will admit of no diversity of hands: And being therein digested, we have appointed Jeremy Sambrooke to assist you for the passing of the said journals into their Lidgers, and also in any business belonging to these Accounts; whom we would have to be acquainted with all other matters, to the end (That if God shall otherwise dispose you) he may be able to go forwards with the business, and give us a reason of the premises. Orders to be observed For the better Vouching of sundry Accounts, and have reference to certain other Articles, set down for the perfect Auditing of the Companies Accounts, as in Page. 70 Treasurers. FIRST Let the Treasurers vouch all their Payments in general, by the Receipts of the Parties who shall receive any money of them, and also by the Warrant of the Governor, or his Deputy, with Four Committees at the least; only the payments to the Adventurers upon Stock, shall pass by the Warrant of the Auditors. Let the Monies received for Freedoms be compared with the Secretary's Book, wherein he noteth down the times, Conditions and Names▪ of all those who are made Free Brethren of the Company. Clerks of the Yard and Storehouse. LET the Payment of every Weeks wages to all the Workmen in the Yard's, be vouched by the Notes of the Committees, who go weekly to the Yard's to see the said wages paid. Let the Accounts be carefully examined for all things whatsoever delivered into the Yard's upon Bargains made, and the like concerning the Clerks Receipts for all the Materials provided and sent into the Yard by the Husband, or by any other for the Company. Let the Books of all the subordinate Officers in the Yard, which are digested into the Clerks great Books, be diligently compared together, and the like by the Receipts for Materials delivered over from one Officer to another. Let the Books and Receipts of the Purcers in the Companies Ships be duly examined for all Provisions, Stores, Victuals, or Merchandise delivered out of the Storehouses, Yard's, or by any of the Companies Officers, and charged upon the said Ships. Clerk of the Slaughter-house. LET the charge of the Clerk of the Slaughter-house, be compared with the Accounts of Beef and Pork, and let his Discharge upon Shipping be examined with the purser's Books. Let no Account pass (without the knowledge and Order of the Court) wherein the Offals of the Beef and Pork, do exceed those several rates in the trial made for the Company, which is Registered in the Book of Remembrances, in Page. 13. Clerk of the Impressed money and wages. LET the Accounts of the Clerks concerning Impressed money, be examined by the Book of the Committees, who entertain the Mariners; and by the Bonds of the parties to whom the money is Imprested. Let the Wages which is paid to Mariners Wives upon Account for their Husbands, be vouched by the Order and Warrant under the hands of the Committees, who entertain the said Mariners. Let the Wages which is paid to the Mariners after they return home, be vouched by Order and Warrant under the hands of the Committees, the Accountant general, and one of the Auditors. Accounts of wages. LET the Accounts of wages for Commanders, Factors or Mariners, be compared with the Acts of Court, and with the Book of entertainment kept by the Clerk of the Impressed; and let the time of any of their Deaths, and their Debts be examined, by the Aduises or Letters out of the Indieses, and by the purser's books. Warehouses. LET the Warehouses for Merchandise be charged with a Book for that purpose, wherein every particular Commodity is set down by number, weight or measure, as it is received out of each Ship severally. Let the said Warehouses be Discharged according as all the said Commodities shallbe delivered out, by lawful Warrant subscribed by the Governor or his Deputy, and the Committees of the Warehouses. purser general. LET the purser generals Accounts for Wages paid aboard Ships, be vouched by the purser's Books of each Ships. Petty Charges. LET all petty Charges which is disbursed by the Husband or any Officer to the Committees, or to any others, for their occasions in the Companies business, be vouched with a Note under the Parties hand writing, to whom the money is paid and warranted, as is ordered. Factor's Accounts. LET the Factor's Accounts concerning Number, Waight and Measure of every Cargazon sent out or received home, be examined, the one by the Inuoyces, and the other by the Book for Discharge of each Ship, into the Companies Warehouses. Let the Books of Accounts from Bantam and Suratt, concerning the Affairs of the subordinate Factories, which are digested into the said Books, be compared with the Original Accounts. Old Stores. LET it be diligently observed that every Officer, who shall receive any old Stores from the Companies Ships which return home, be accountable for the same by the Book of Inuentaries, wherein all such things are noted down particularly. Brokes. LET there be care taken, that the Brokes be justly charged upon all men's Accounts whosoever, that shall not pay in their Monies at the times appointed, and if any man's Account be found to receive favour in this kind by Order of Court, then let the Court Books be searched, to vouch the parcel. Gratifications. CONCERNING all the Gratifications given by Order of Court, let every parcel be examined by the Court Books. Bills of Parcels for all Goods bought. AND generally let all the Merchandise, provisions, Victuals, and Stores bought, either by the Committees, the Husband, or any other for the Company, be vouched by a Bill of parcels subscribed by them, and by the Parties who sold the goods. FINIS.